European Maritime Day (EMD) 2026 will take place on 21–22 May 2026 in Limassol, Cyprus, bringing together Europe’s maritime community for two days of dialogue, collaboration and forward-looking action on maritime affairs and the sustainable blue economy.
The event is organised by the European Commission, in partnership with the Shipping Deputy Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus and the Limassol Municipality.
Hosted at the Carob Mill event complex, EMD 2026 will gather policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, NGOs, public authorities, coastal stakeholders and citizens interested in the future of Europe’s seas. The conference includes high‑level plenaries, thematic panels, stakeholder workshops, an exhibition, and extensive networking opportunities designed to foster cooperation across maritime sectors.
As the EU’s flagship annual gathering dedicated to the oceans, EMD highlights the diversity of sea-related activities across Europe and provides an interactive platform to address priority topics such as innovation in the blue economy, maritime spatial planning, marine research, decarbonisation of maritime transport, biodiversity protection, fisheries and aquaculture, and the role of coastal regions in implementing the European Green Deal.
Beyond policy discussions, EMD celebrates “maritime Europe” by showcasing cutting-edge initiatives, research results, emerging technologies and real-world solutions shaping Europe’s ocean future. Participants will also have opportunities to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and contribute to shaping Europe’s maritime agenda for the years ahead.
Stay tuned for updates on programme details, speakers, workshops and practical information via the official Maritime Forum page.
Featured Workshop | Sea Basin Strategies as a tool for reinforced maritime regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean
21 May 2026 | 16:40–17:55
The European Ocean Pact underscored the importance of strengthening maritime regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, in line with ongoing sea basin cooperation frameworks across the European Union. Building on this policy momentum, the workshop will foster an open discussion on the challenges, opportunities and added value of a potential Sea Basin Strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Drawing on existing and successful experiences from the Atlantic Maritime Strategy, WestMED, Black Sea, and, more recently, the North Sea (GNSBI), the workshop will explore how sea basin cooperation can support coordinated action, policy alignment and stakeholder engagement in a complex and diverse maritime region. Discussions will focus on key regional challenges and untapped potential that could be addressed through reinforced cooperation, as well as on the possible role of a Sea Basin Strategy in advancing shared maritime objectives in the Eastern Mediterranean.
More information on the workshop agenda and speakers will follow soon.