THE EU CORNER
Explore the European Commission's commitments, policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges and fostering a sustainable future.
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Discover EU-funded flagship projects with detailed information provided through accessible links. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) support Europe's research capacity by investing in the careers of outstanding researchers. Explore MSCA-funded research projects alongside flagship projects in various marine and maritime areas.
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Our EU Corner covers a wide range of sectors including maritime transport, marine and coastal tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology, energy, mining/drilling, and research, reflecting the diverse dimensions of blue growth. Currently, project information is linked via Cordis.
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We welcome your suggestions for enhancing the corner with new information and updates.
BLUE GROWTH
Explore key EU priorities, policies, and initiatives shaping the blue economy sectors as a whole
European Green Deal: Leading the transition to a sustainable and carbon-neutral economy.
Horizon Europe Program: Investing in research and innovation to address global challenges.
Mission Ocean: Promoting ocean health and sustainability through targeted missions.
Blue Growth Strategy & Initiative: Driving sustainable growth and innovation in marine and maritime sectors.
Blue Economy Strategy: Fostering economic development while preserving marine ecosystems.
Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting and conserving marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
Marine Spatial Planning Directive: Guiding the sustainable use of marine resources and space.
Integrated Maritime Policy: Coordinating maritime affairs across EU policies and regions.
Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure: Enhancing access to and management of marine data for decision-making.
Environmental Impact Assessment Framework: Assessing and mitigating the environmental effects of maritime activities.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Promoting sustainable development and conservation in coastal areas.
Marine Protected Areas: Preserving unique marine habitats and species through designated protected areas.
Biosecurity and Environmental Impact Assessment: Safeguarding marine ecosystems from invasive species and pollutants.
Marine Pollution Control: Implementing measures to reduce marine pollution and protect marine life.
Circular Economy in the Blue Economy: Promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction in maritime industries.
Ocean Governance Initiatives: Strengthening international cooperation and governance frameworks for ocean management.
Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities: Supporting cities in their transition to low-carbon and sustainable urban development.
Circular Economy Action Plan: Advancing circular economy principles to reduce waste and promote recycling.
EU Maritime Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of European waters and maritime activities.
Maritime Safety Agency: Enhancing maritime safety through regulatory oversight and operational support.
The EU Funded Flagship Projects on Blue Growth
The EU Funded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Projects on Blue Growth
MARITIME TRANSPORT
Explore key EU priorities, policies, and initiatives shaping the maritime transport industry:
FuelEU Maritime: Promoting the use of sustainable fuels in the maritime sector to reduce emissions.
EU Emissions Trading System for Shipping: Implementing emissions trading to incentivize emission reductions in shipping.
Digitalization of Transport: Harnessing digital technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability in maritime transport.
European Maritime Single Window: Simplifying administrative procedures for maritime operations through a single digital interface.
Clean Ports: Implementing measures to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance in port operations.
Waste Management and Pollution Control: Addressing waste management and pollution control challenges in maritime activities.
Sulphur Emission Control Areas: Designating areas where strict controls are in place to reduce sulphur emissions from ships.
MARPOL: Implementing international regulations for the prevention of pollution from ships.
Ballast Water Management Convention: Regulating the management of ballast water to prevent the spread of invasive species.
European Sustainable Shipping Forum: Facilitating dialogue and collaboration on sustainable shipping practices and policies.
Clean Shipping Alliance: Promoting collaboration among shipowners to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance.
The EU Funded Flagship Projects on Maritime Transport
The EU Funded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Projects on Maritime Transport
MARINE AND COASTAL TOURISM
Discover key EU strategies and initiatives promoting sustainable and innovative coastal and maritime tourism:
European Tourism Strategy: Setting out the EU's vision and objectives for sustainable tourism development.
Coastal and Maritime Tourism: Focusing on the unique attractions and experiences offered by coastal and maritime destinations.
Sustainable Tourism: Promoting tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
European Coastal and Maritime Tourism Quality Label: Recognizing destinations that meet high standards of sustainability and quality.
Smart and Sustainable Tourism: Leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism destinations.
EU Digitalization Initiatives for Tourism: Supporting the digital transformation of the tourism sector to improve visitor experiences and business operations.
Sustainable Destination Management: Encouraging integrated and responsible management of tourist destinations.
European Tourism Indicator System: Monitoring and assessing the sustainability performance of tourism destinations.
European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas: Promoting sustainable tourism practices in protected natural areas.
Promoting Safe and Clean Beaches: Ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and accessibility of coastal areas for tourists.
Sustainable Coastal Accommodation: Encouraging the development of eco-friendly and socially responsible accommodation options.
Climate Adaptation in Coastal Tourism: Addressing the challenges of climate change and its impacts on coastal tourism destinations.
Blue Flag Program for Beaches and Marinas: Recognizing beaches and marinas that meet high standards of environmental management and safety.
The EU Funded Flagship Projects on Marine and Coastal Tourism
The EU Funded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Projects on Marine and Coastal Tourism
MARINE CAPTURE FISHERIES
Explore key EU strategies and initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable fisheries management:
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Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD): Setting out the EU's overarching framework for achieving good environmental status in European marine waters.
Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): Guiding the sustainable management of fisheries resources within the EU and promoting responsible fishing practices.
Sustainable Fisheries Management Plans: Developing comprehensive plans to regulate fishing activities and conserve fish stocks.
Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) Targets: Establishing scientifically-based catch limits to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish populations.
Discard Ban and Landing Obligation: Prohibiting the practice of discarding unwanted fish at sea and requiring fishermen to land all catches.
Regional Advisory Councils (RACs): Facilitating stakeholder engagement and providing input into the decision-making process for fisheries management.
Selectivity and Bycatch Reduction Measures: Implementing measures to minimize the capture of non-target species and reduce incidental catches.
IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) Fishing: Combating illegal fishing activities through enhanced monitoring, control, and enforcement measures.
Sustainable Fishing Gear Development: Promoting the use of environmentally friendly and selective fishing gear to minimize ecosystem impacts.
Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS): Enhancing monitoring and enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations.
Sustainable Fishing Certification Schemes: Recognizing and rewarding fisheries that adhere to sustainable fishing practices through certification programs.
Fishing Quota Allocation Mechanisms: Establishing fair and transparent mechanisms for allocating fishing quotas among stakeholders.
Integrated Fisheries Management: Taking a holistic approach to fisheries management that considers ecological, social, and economic factors.
The EU Funded Flagship Projects on Marine Capture Fisheries
The EU Funded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Projects on Marine Capture Fisheries
MARINE AQUACULTURE
Discover key EU policies and provisions aimed at promoting sustainable aquaculture practices:
Common Fisheries Policy Aquaculture Provisions: Formulating regulations and guidelines to support the sustainable development of aquaculture within the EU.
Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible and socially conscious methods in aquaculture production.
Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture: Implementing innovative farming systems that optimize resource utilization and minimize environmental impacts.
Responsible Aquaculture Labeling: Providing consumers with information about responsibly sourced aquaculture products through labeling schemes.
Aquaculture Feed Sustainability: Promoting the use of sustainable and ethically sourced feed ingredients in aquafeed production.
Aquaculture Best Management Practices: Establishing industry standards and guidelines for the sustainable management of aquaculture operations.
Marine Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: Utilizing advanced technologies to create closed-loop aquaculture systems that minimize water usage and waste discharge.
Sustainable Aquaculture Certification Programs: Recognizing and rewarding aquaculture producers that adhere to rigorous sustainability criteria through certification programs.
Aquaculture and Climate Change Adaptation: Developing strategies and practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change on aquaculture operations and enhance resilience.
The EU Funded Flagship Projects on Marine Aquaculture
The EU Funded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Projects on Marine Aquaculture
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
Explore the EU's commitment to fostering sustainable marine biotechnology practices:
Bioeconomy Strategy: Implementing a comprehensive strategy to harness the potential of marine biotechnology in promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Agenda: Driving research and innovation efforts to unlock the full potential of marine biotechnology for various applications.
Sustainable Marine Biotechnology Practices: Promoting responsible and environmentally friendly approaches to marine biotechnology research, development, and commercialization.
Marine Biotechnology Regulatory Framework: Establishing regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe and ethical use of marine biotechnology products and technologies.
Sustainable Marine Biotechnology Feedstock: Identifying and developing sustainable sources of biomass for marine biotechnology applications, reducing dependence on finite resources.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: Implementing measures to minimize the carbon footprint associated with marine biotechnology activities, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Carbon Capture: Exploring innovative methods for capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide from marine environments, mitigating the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on marine ecosystems.
The EU Funded Flagship Projects on Marine Biotechnology
The EU Funded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Projects on Marine Biotechnology
MARINE ENERGY
Discover the EU's commitment to advancing sustainable marine renewable energy solutions:
Energy Directive: Guiding policies and regulations to promote the development and deployment of renewable energy sources, including marine renewables.
Marine Renewable Energy Directive & Action Plan: Setting out directives and action plans to harness the potential of marine renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy.
Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy: Outlining strategies for the sustainable and responsible expansion of offshore renewable energy projects across European waters.
Ocean Energy Forum: Facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders to drive innovation and investment in ocean energy technologies.
Clean Energy for All Europeans Package: Proposing measures to accelerate the transition to clean and renewable energy sources, including initiatives specifically targeting marine renewables.
European Marine Energy Centre: Supporting research, testing, and demonstration of marine energy technologies at dedicated test sites.
Marine Renewable Energy Roadmaps: Developing roadmaps to guide the development and implementation of marine renewable energy projects at regional and national levels.
European Battery Alliance: Promoting the development of advanced battery technologies to support the integration of marine renewables into the energy grid.
The EU Funded Flagship Projects on Marine Energy
The EU Funded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Projects on Marine Energy
MARINE MINING / DRILLING
Explore the EU's commitment to ensuring safety and sustainability in offshore activities:
Offshore Safety Directive: Establishing regulations and standards to enhance the safety of offshore oil and gas operations, including measures for accident prevention and emergency response.
Seabed Mining Regulation: Setting guidelines and procedures for the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the seabed while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
International Seabed Authority (ISA) Cooperation: Collaborating with the ISA and international partners to promote responsible seabed mining practices and uphold international legal frameworks.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Supporting the development and deployment of CCS technologies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from offshore industrial activities, including carbon capture and storage in offshore geological formations.
Offshore Oil and Gas Regulation: Regulating offshore oil and gas exploration, production, and decommissioning activities to minimize environmental impacts and ensure operational safety.
Oil Pollution Response and Preparedness: Implementing measures for oil spill prevention, response, and cleanup to protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities from potential oil pollution incidents.
Energy Policy: Integrating offshore safety and environmental considerations into broader energy policies to promote a transition towards clean, sustainable energy sources.
The EU Funded Flagship Projects on Marine Mining / Drilling
The EU Funded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Projects on Marine Mining / Drilling
MARINE RESEARCH
Discover the EU's efforts to monitor and understand marine environments:
Marine Strategy Framework Directive: Guiding member states in achieving good environmental status in European marine waters through coordinated monitoring, assessment, and management efforts.
Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service: Providing free and open access to oceanographic data, products, and services for environmental monitoring, marine resource management, and maritime safety.
European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet): Facilitating the collection, harmonization, and sharing of marine data from diverse sources to support marine spatial planning, ecosystem assessments, and scientific research.
European Ocean Observing System (EOOS): Promoting coordination and integration of Europe's ocean observing efforts to address societal challenges, improve maritime operations, and support policy development.
Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans): Facilitating transnational research collaboration and funding to address common challenges in marine science, technology, and innovation.
European Marine Board (EMB): Providing strategic advice and coordination for marine research and policy in Europe to advance understanding of marine ecosystems, support sustainable resource management, and address emerging challenges.