As an initiative, the first-ever European Ocean Days 2024 is set to take place from March 4 to March 8, 2024, in Brussels, focusing on a diverse array of European maritime topics. The event will bring together EU-funded projects and initiatives to showcase innovative solutions to the challenges faced by oceans and coastal areas.
One of the projects participating in the event is TWINNEDbySTARS, which is funded under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). This maritime tourism-centric project aims to increase competitiveness in the Outermost Regions.
The European Ocean Days will span the entire week, covering themes such as the EU Mission Ocean and Waters, future priorities for Europe’s Seas, blue innovation, investment opportunities, and ocean literacy activities. Attendees can engage in various events scheduled throughout the week, including the Mission Restore our Ocean & Waters Forum, the Where next for Europe’s Seas? discussion, the BlueInvest Day, and Ocean Literacy in Action.
On March 6, during the “Where next for Europe’s Seas?” event, a poster exhibition will feature numerous EU-funded projects. These projects, managed by the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (CINEA), aim to address critical issues, including marine litter, biodiversity, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energies.
A total of 21 projects and initiatives funded under four EU programmes – EMFAF, Horizon Europe, LIFE Programme, and the Innovation Fund – will participate in the exhibition with posters. Some noteworthy projects alongside TWINNEDbySTARS include:
- FreShER: Sustainable moorings for marinas and floating solar (EMFAF)
- Aquawind: Innovative multi-use prototype combining offshore renewable energy and aquaculture in the Atlantic Basin (EMFAF)
- SustainSea: Wind-Assisted Propulsion Revolution (Innovation Fund)
TWINNEDbySTARS invites stakeholders, enthusiasts and the general public to visit the European Commission’s website to find out more about European Oceans Days 2024 and explore the remarkable initiatives contributing to the sustainable future of Europe’s seas here