HEI-BLUE takes part in European Ocean Days 2026 in Brussels
HEI-BLUE takes part in European Ocean Days 2026 in Brussels
Our HEI-Blue coordinator, Elen García, from the Office of Institutional Project Management (OGPI) at the University of Alicante, has been representing the consortium during the week to network with relevent stakeholders looking for synergies and to be informed about the latest EU Initiatives, like the OceanEye, the upcoming Strategies, as the EU Strategies for Coastal Communities and Ports.
The event provided a strategic platform to showcase HEI-BLUE’s work in higher education, innovation and skills development for the Blue Economy, particularly in the South-West Indian Ocean region.
During the opening day, HEI-BLUE representatives followed key discussions on the future of the Blue Economy in Europe and beyond, including policy priorities, green and digital transitions, and the role of education and training in supporting blue skills. The event also offered valuable opportunities to connect with policymakers, practitioners and organisations engaged in ocean-related initiatives, reinforcing HEI-BLUE’s commitment to international cooperation.
The European Ocean Days also provided a valuable opportunity to exchange with Roberto Rando, Blue Economy Officer at the European Investment Bank, Julien Peris, Project Officer at CINEA, and Manuel Pleguezuelos, Policy Officer at DG MARE, discussing synergies between HEI-BLUE and ongoing EU initiatives in support of a sustainable, inclusive Blue Economy. These conversations helped identify potential avenues for future collaboration, particularly in areas related to blue skills, regional cooperation and innovation.
On this occasion, HEI-BLUE also reconnected with long-time collaborator Celia Murcia, CEO of blue-jobs.com, who took part in a session highlighting the current lack of recognition and limited employment opportunities in the Blue Economy, which refers to the economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coastal areas. Her intervention underlined the need to better valorise blue careers, create quality jobs and strengthen pathways from education to employment in ocean-related sectors.
HEI-BLUE’s presence at the European Ocean Days contributes to building stronger bridges between European and Indian Ocean partners, promoting inclusive, innovation-driven approaches to Blue Economy development and supporting the emergence of a new generation of blue professionals.
