Tourism is one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding fields within Interreg, playing a key role in regional development, job creation, and improved infrastructure across Europe. With global tourist arrivals expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, the sector’s importance, and the need to ensure its sustainable development, continues to grow.
To deepen understanding of how tourism-related cooperation...
Spain’s 2026 Presidency of the EU Atlantic Strategy: Building synergies for a sustainable ocean
Dear Atlantic Strategy community,
In 2026, Spain will be holding the Presidency of the EU Atlantic Strategy, assuming this responsibility with a deep sense of commitment for developing a sustainable future within the Atlantic Area.
Since 2011, the Atlantic Maritime Strategy (AMS) has addressed various...
The Atlantic and WestMED sea basin communities came together at Euromaritime 2026 on 5 February to spotlight how cutting‑edge digital products and services are accelerating the sustainable growth of Europe’s blue economy.
The joint workshop, “Products and Services Benefiting the Blue Economy at the National Level and for Cooperation,” brought national actors, SMEs, research bodies, and decision‑makers together to...
On 27 January 2026, the Irish National Hub and the Pillar III Coordination Team hosted the webinar “Bridging the Gap: Addressing Barriers to Large‑Scale MRE Innovation Development Across Regions,” bringing together 38 participants from across the Atlantic Area to discuss the pressing challenges that hinder the deployment of large‑scale Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) technologies.
The session provided an open...
MARINNONET is a transnational R&D&I cooperation network dedicated to boosting the competitiveness and sustainability of the Blue Biotech sector in the Atlantic Area. By connecting research organizations, industry, public authorities, and innovation actors, MARINNONET transforms fragmented marine biotechnology ecosystems into a coordinated, collaborative community.
Figure 1 - Photos courtesy of Pilot Projects (ULVACEL by ULPGC-BEA)
The project’s added value lies in...
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to help shape the upcoming European Ocean Observation Initiative, a flagship action under the European Ocean Pact aimed at strengthening Europe’s ocean knowledge systems and technological leadership.
The initiative intends to enhance EU coordination in ocean observation, ensuring more reliable and accessible marine data across all sectors—from climate research...
EU fisheries ministers have reached a political agreement on fishing opportunities for 2026 across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea.
The agreement sets Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and multiannual quotas to ensure sustainable fisheries, economic stability for EU fleets, and alignment with scientific advice.
Atlantic & North Sea: 81% of Opportunities at Sustainable Levels...
The European Commission has opened a call for evidence to help shape the upcoming European Ocean Act, a key legislative initiative planned for adoption in 2026. The consultation is open until 9 February 2026, inviting contributions from stakeholders, experts, and citizens across the EU.
A Key Step Toward the European Ocean Act
The European Ocean Act...
In 2025, Ireland chaired the Atlantic Steering Committee (ASC) in accordance with the rotating presidency between the EU Member States of the Atlantic Maritime Strategy. The Atlantic area accounts for more than a third of a gross added value of the EU's blue economy, and the Atlantic Member States are key players in this, contributing of the blue component...
The 1st meeting of the Atlantic Maritime Spatial Planning Community of Practice happened on 9th December 2025 online. It marked a significant milestone in advancing regional cooperation on maritime spatial planning. This initiative follows the proposal by the Atlantic Irish Presidency to the Atlantic Strategy Committee for the beginning of Atlantic Region Maritime Spatial Planning, which was...