News Archives - WestMED

DTF25 conference sign with cruise ship in background

DTF 2025 Conference hosted in Malta: Driving the Future of Sustainable Maritime Transport

20 October 2025/in News /by Communication team

The 2025 edition of the Decarbonizing the Future (DTF) conference was held in Malta on 16–17 October, bringing together international experts, policymakers, and industry leaders under the theme “Ports. Power. Partnerships.” The conference served as a key platform for advancing dialogue on sustainable transport, digitalisation, and the decarbonisation of maritime operations in particular through the provision of Onshore Power Supply (OPS).

Organised by EOPSA, Transport Malta and Med Ports Association, the two-day event underscored the growing importance of OPS as a pivotal technology to reduce emissions in ports and align with the EU Green Deal, Fit for 55, and TEN-T objectives. Participants explored pathways to achieve cleaner, more efficient port operations and strengthen collaboration among national and regional maritime authorities.

WestMED at DTF
As part of the DTF Conference, the WestMED Initiative hosted a dedicated side event on “Advancing Sustainable Transport through Onshore Power Supply”. Jointly organised by the WestMED National Hubs for Malta and Italy, the session highlighted the Mediterranean region’s pivotal role in advancing OPS as a tool for sustainable maritime transport.

The event brough together a diverse panel of stakeholders — including government and industry representatives, port authorities, NGOs, and cluster organisations — who discussed opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and access to EU and regional funding to scale up OPS implementation.

The discussion focused on:

How to scale up OPS across Mediterranean ports;
The role of EU and regional funding to support OPS implementation;
Cross-border cooperation and knowledge-sharing among ports in the WestMED region;
Addressing the policy, technical and investment challenges of decarbonising port operations.

On 17 October, Stephanie Vella (WestMED National Hub Malta) took to the main stage, where she spoke about the #MediterraneanPact that had just been launched, its relevance for regional cooperation on port decarbonisation and the supporting role of WestMED through its Technical Group on Green Shipping.

OPS Connection of MSC Explora II to OPS at Valletta’s port facility
A notable practical outcome during the conference was the connection of MSC Explora II to OPS at Valletta’s port facility, demonstrating the OPS connection. The occasion was marked during a high-level event attended by the Prime Minister of Malta and senior government officials.

MoU DTF and TÜRKLİM
Another key milestone of the DTF 2025 Conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DTF and TÜRKLİM, the association representing 78 private ports and terminals in Türkiye. TÜRKLİM plays a vital role in shaping container, cruise, and liquid bulk operations.

The MoU marks an important chapter in regional cooperation. It reflects DTF’s commitment to expanding its partnerships across the Mediterranean and strengthening the region’s collective capacity to meet climate and digital transformation goals.

The conference concluded with a call to action: to translate dialogue into implementation through concrete projects and collaborative frameworks. As the maritime sector continues its transition toward a low-carbon future, the partnerships and insights forged in Malta are expected to shape future developments across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Pact for the med poster with people cheering

Pact for the Mediterranean Launched: A New Era of Regional Cooperation

17 October 2025/in News /by Communication team

On 16 October 2025, the European Commission officially launched the Pact for the Mediterranean – an ambitious framework to deepen cooperation between the EU and its Southern Mediterranean partners.

The Pact is the result of an extensive and inclusive consultation process that engaged a broad range of stakeholders, including southern Mediterranean partners, EU Member States and institutions, neighbouring countries in the wider region, as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, academia, think tanks, and cultural and economic organisations.

Marking 30 years since the Barcelona Process, this initiative aims to build a “Common Mediterranean Space” rooted in co-ownership, co-creation, and joint responsibility.

Structured around three pillars – People, Economy, and Security -the Pact sets out over 100 concrete initiatives to drive inclusive growth, connectivity, and resilience across the region:

People: A flagship Mediterranean University, youth mobility schemes, and cultural exchange programmes will foster intergenerational ties and civil society engagement.
Economy: Projects like StartUp4Med and the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Initiative (T-MED) will boost clean tech, digital infrastructure, and sustainable blue economy development.
Security & Migration: Joint efforts on disaster preparedness, border management, and migration governance aim to enhance regional stability.

The Pact is open for engagement with partners beyond the Southern Mediterranean,including the Gulf, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Western Balkans as well as Türkiye. Stepping up cooperation between the EU, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Gulf region is a key objective.

An action plan is expected in early 2026 following political endorsement in November ’25 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona process. Civil society, youth organizations, and regional bodies will be invited to support its implementation.

Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean:

“The Pact is a clear testimony of a renewed focus and commitment of the EU to the Mediterranean region. This Pact is about people: the region’s greatest strength lies in its youth, its creativity, and its talent. The Pact is also about shared prosperity. It will bring new investment opportunities and jobs. We will also invest in security, preparedness and migration management. Close cooperation and co-ownership will make this a success story for our citizens on all shores of the Mare Nostrum.”

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

“The geopolitical importance of the Mediterranean cannot be overstated. The region connects three continents and acts as a bridge to the European Union for important exchanges amongst people, our economies and on security. With the new Pact for the Mediterranean we open a new chapter and a chance for more productive cooperation and lasting stability in the region.”

Watch the press statement by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Watch the press conference opening remarks by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

Watch the press Conference opening remarks by Dubravka ŠUICA, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean

More information:
Pact for the Mediterranean – One Sea, One Pact, One Future – a shared ambition for the region – Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf

The Pact for the Mediterranean – Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf

WestMED plays a central role at UfM’s 18th regional Platform on Sustainable Blue Economy

16 October 2025/in News /by Communication team

On 15 and 16 October 2025, the 18th UfM regional Platform on Sustainable Blue Economy took place in Brussels, Belgium.

The objective was to discuss progress towards the implemenation of the 2021 UfM Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy, its related Roadmap and priorities. Next to this, major recent developments were discussed such as the European Ocean Pact, the Mediterranean Pact, and the BlueComp competence framework to navigate the blue economy

During these two days, the actions by the WestMED Assistance Mechanism were present in many parts and underlined its central role as strategic regional partner in the development of the sustainable blue economy.

A number of succesful WestMED supported projects were showcased to illustrate relevant regional actions in line with the UfM Ministerial Declaration.

Amongst these were the CallMeBlue project, promoted in the context of the WestMED Maritime Cluster Alliance. This project was presented in person by the project leader ForMare, and key partners such as Leancubator and the Tunisian Maritime Cluster.

Other WestMED supported initiatives included the MSP CoP, the S3 Partnership on Sustainable Fuel, promoted through the Green Shipping Technical Group, a COST Action proposal developed in partnership with the AquaWest Technical Group, and the newly established Libyan Maritime Cluster led by WestMED’s National Coordinator.

The WestMED initiative was also regularly mentioned during the roundtable where Mediterranean countries presented their achievements and future plans for national as well as regional cooperation.

One of these plans included Tunisia’s initiative to launch a new WestMED Technical Group for Blue Skills, as part of their current WestMED Co-Presidency.

This new Technical Group is currently in the making and will be discussed in the upcoming WestMED Steering Committee meetings – with the next one planned for 27 November 2025, preceding the WestMED Stakeholder Conference in Tunis.

people at an exhibition - seated at a workshop listening to speaker

Water Scarcity in the Mediterranean at the center of attention with AIDARA at the ACCADUEO 2025 Exhibition in Bologna

14 October 2025/in News /by National Hub Italy

The growth of WestMED supported AIDARA (Italian association for desalination and reuse of water) continues in its first year of existence, thanks to the high interest in the challenges of water scarcity.

ACCADUEO, Italy’s leading international trade fair dedicated exclusively to the civil and industrial water sector, is one of the growing number of organisations that support AIDARA’s development. It allowed AIDARA a stand where visitors had a chance to learn more about its objectives, as well as space to organise two specialized workshops. One on Desalination in the Mediterranean Basin (7 October 2025) and one on the ‘Water Positive’ Concept (8 October 2025).

International speakers from Morocco, Libya, UAE, Spain, France took the floor to describe the evolution of desalination technologies, investment plans and good practices to optimize water management in Industrial processes.

Multinational companies like Philip Morris and TETRAPAK, consulting firms specialized in water management like TEHA, COGEA-BIP, STANTEC, ILF and research & innovation initiatives like Plan Bleue described their experiences and their approaches towards a contest which is often seen as a booming business, while it is first and mainly a way to ensure the necessary resource for life on the planet.

Both sessions welcomed a large audience and the Regional Government of Emilia Romagna, through the competent Councillor Irene Priolo, had the opportunity to illustrate the complexity that local and regional authorities face to tackle the extreme consequences of climate change – from water scarcity to overfloods.

Mark your agenda

AIDARA will hold its next event on 2 December 2025, in collaboration with AQP SpA, focusing on Reuse of Treated Waters.

For more information contact Leonardo Manzari (WestMED National Hub Italy): italy@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

Two men posing behind table in libya. ali shagrune and saber al-azabi

President of the Libyan Maritime Cluster and WestMED coordinator meets with the Libyan Minister of Marine Wealth

13 October 2025/in News /by Communication team

On 12 October 2025, H.E. Dr. Saber Al-Azabi, Minister of Marine Wealth, met with Eng. Ali Mohamed Ageli Shagrune, President of the Libyan Maritime Cluster and National Coordinator WestMED Steering Committee Member of the Initiative.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency welcomed Eng. Shagrune and praised his significant efforts in strengthening international cooperation and promoting the development of Libya’s blue economy. He also commended the active role played by the Libyan Maritime Cluster in supporting blue economy initiatives.

The meeting discussed the activities of the Libyan Maritime Cluster and its collaboration with maritime clusters in friendly countries within the framework of blue economy initiatives that aim to transform Libya’s economy from a rent-based system to a diversified and sustainable one, built on innovation and investment in marine resources.

Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing regional and international partnerships in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, and sustainable coastal governance, to contribute to building a prosperous economic future for Libya.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Eng. Ali Shagrune expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. the Minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Libyan Maritime Cluster’s readiness to continue joint efforts with the Ministry of Marine Wealth in pursuit of a national vision for a sustainable blue economy in Libya.

The “Blue Africa Summit” in Tangier: Towards a Pact for Africa’s Blue Future

13 October 2025/in News /by National Hub Morocco

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 3rd edition of the Blue Africa Summit was held on 9 and 10 October in Tangier. This major event, organised by the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco and La Saison Bleue, brought together African decision-makers, scientific experts, and economic stakeholders. The primary objective was to lay the groundwork for a Pact for a Sustainable Blue Africa, thereby placing the ocean at the heart of the continent’s future.

A First Day Focused on a Shared Vision

The first day of the summit was dedicated to the development of this pact. The discussions were structured around three key themes: strengthening international cooperation, addressing the major challenges of coastal cities and regions, and preserving marine ecosystems to ensure food security.

The opening was marked by several official speeches, notably those of Mr Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Permanent Secretary of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Ms Zakia Driouch, Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries. Also in attendance were Mr Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ms Rym Benzina, President of La Saison Bleue, and Mr Pascal Lamy, President of the Global Sea Forum-Bizerte.

All speakers emphasised the importance of ocean governance. Mr Lahjomri notably proposed the creation of an African Observatory for Maritime Governance, linked to an open digital platform, Blue Data Africa. This platform would connect ports, universities, institutions, and NGOs for data sharing.

Watch the recording of the first day on YouTube

The Second Day: Expert Groups and Concrete Proposals

The second day featured four expert groups, held in a hybrid format and bringing together representatives from numerous African countries. The groups focused on Science, Research & Education, the Blue Economy & Finance, Governance & Territories, and Civil Society.

WestMED participation
Mr Hassan Agouzoul, Morocco’s National Hub for the WestMED assistance mechanism, actively participated in the “Blue Economy & Finance” and “Governance & Territories” expert groups. He presented a roadmap to structure blue financing in Africa. His proposal emphasises building capacity to design “blue” projects and aligning multi-year budgets with inter-sectoral development programmes. For the governance of the future pact, he suggested drawing inspiration from the WestMED governance model, an EU and UpM initiative that combines institutional support from governments with technical expertise to 5 countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean.

Summit Conclusion and Future Outlook

All these exchanges will serve as a basis for the work that will continue until the Pact for a Sustainable Blue Africa is submitted during the 4th edition of the Summit, scheduled for late 2026.

The summit concluded with a panel discussion on the African Atlantic coastline, titled “What new-generation public-private alliance for a responsible exploitation of resources?”. This panel focused on the sustainable management of fishery resources and notably featured the participation of Yassine El Aroussi, national coordinator of the WestMED initiative and Head of the Cooperation Division within Morocco’s Department of Maritime Fisheries.

Read the Tangier declaration – Blue Africa Summit 2025

For more information contact Hassan Agouzoul (westMED National Hub Morocco): morocco@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

Additional articles
https://www.info-rac.org/communication/news/towards-a-pact-for-a-sustainable-blue-africa/

https://industries.ma/en/la-declaration-de-tanger-appelle-a-la-creation-dun-hub-africain-europeen-pour-linnovation-et-le-financement/

Tanger : le Blue Africa Summit acte des engagements historiques

https://www.laverite.ma/urgence-oceans-le-sommet-de-tanger-fixe-la-feuille-de-route-2030/

https://www.mapnews.ma/fr/actualites/social/tanger-%C3%A0-lheure-de-la-3%C3%A8-%C3%A9dition-du-blue-africa-summit

Expert panel on stage during WestMED workshop at SeaFuture 2025. Masauda Abuarosha speaking and projected in the back

WestMED’s Maritime Cluster Alliance at SeaFuture 2025

10 October 2025/in News /by National Hub Italy

Within the framework of the 9^th edition of SEAFUTURE in La Spezia, Italy, WestMED once again contributed to the success of the event, with a workshop on 2 October 2025. This workshop was dedicated to the multiple and diversified ways to do clustering and help local ecosystems exploit their potential.

During the workshop many leading experts explored the role of clusters in scaling up sustainable blue economy initiatives across the Mediterranean. Topics ranged from funding programmes and water management to incubation and acceleration – including the role of the EU Sea Basins Technical Assistance.

DG MARE, UfM, the WestMED National Coordinator, and the Ministry of Sea Policies and Civil Protection, also highlighted major maritime developments such as the European Ocean Pact, the new Mediterranean Pact, the Italian engagement to “equip” its Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) Strategy with a dedicated ministry, a first MSP ICZM plan for Italy and a new national cluster on underwater technologies (Polo Nazionale della Dimensione Subacquea).

This was followed by a series of expert panels – each with a focus on identifying and closing the gaps in the maritime cluster ecosystem – approaching it from different angles: Investment and funding initiatives, cluster incubators and accelerators, water management and desalination/ re-use initiatives, EU Programmes with EU Missions and Horizon Partnerships, and Sustainable business models as illustrated by five innovative start-ups and SMEs.

This workshop provided participants a good overview of the current state of play, new ideas and a good impression of how the WestMED Assistance Mechnism has supported cluster -and project development over the years.

The SEAFUTURE exhibition, also offered excellent network opportunities as well as an occasion to mark new developments:

The European Network of Maritime Clusters (ENMC) announced the decision to recognize the status of Observer to the WestMED Maritime Clusters Alliance, thus allowing also southern shore clusters to represent their ecosystem in this contest;
6 maritime clusters of the WestMED Cluster Alliance shared a stand the exhibition;
the Libyan Maritime Cluster and the Tunisian Maritime Cluster took the opportunity to widen their relations beyond their regional dimension
new actors that joined the WestMED community, found an inspiring atmosphere to interact with established stakeholders (TEHA, AIDARA, Suez Italy, etc.).

A final session of the Blue Mission Med – EU Restore Our Ocean and Waters concluded the workshop, as an excellent lane towards the WestMED Stakeholders Conference 2025 in Tunis, on 28 November 2025!

Download the agenda

For more information contact Leonardo Manzari (WestMED National Hub Italy): italy@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

About SeaFuture
SeaFuture is a major international exhibition and conference held at the La Spezia Naval Base in Italy, showcasing innovative technologies and solutions in the maritime, defense, and Blue Economy sectors, and serving as a global platform for networking, collaboration, and sustainable growth from September 29 to October 2, 2025

SeaFuture website

Watch the interview with Leonardo Manzari during this workshop:

WestMED’s Maritime Cluster Stand at SeaFuture 2025, hosted by Federazione del Mare, Cluster BIG (Blue Italian Growth), Strategis, Fórum Oceano, Cluster Maritime Tunisien and the Libyan Maritime Cluster

group photo with EU sea basins people in conference room in Brussels during the Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategies days in Brussels

Simon Pugh

EU Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism strengthens Maritime Cooperation

1 October 2025/in News /by Communication team

Copyright photo: Simon Pugh

EU Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism gathers experts from 15 countries to discuss maritime regional cooperation in Europe’s Atlantic facade, the Western Mediterranean and the Black Sea

On 25 September 2025, alongside the Macro-Regional and Sea Basins Strategies Days, a dedicated networking event was held in Brussels for the National Hubs of the Sea Basin Strategies’ Assistance Mechanism. The gathering served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, strategic reflection, and future-oriented discussions aimed at advancing the EU’s Sea Basin Strategies and the Ocean Pact.

The session began with presentations on two key EU policy initiatives: the newly introduced European Ocean Pact and the upcoming budget framework for the blue economy.

The Ocean Pact outlines the EU’s comprehensive vision for ocean governance, consolidating various ocean-related policies under one strategic umbrella. It focuses on six core objectives: safeguarding ocean health, promoting a sustainable and competitive blue economy, empowering coastal and island communities, enhancing maritime security, expanding ocean literacy and research, and strengthening global ocean diplomacy.
The proposed 2028–2034 EU budget aims to offer greater flexibility to Member States and increase support for sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime sectors. It also prioritizes investment in ocean monitoring, innovation, blue economy initiatives, and international marine governance.

Engaging with National Hubs

National Hubs play a central role in implementing sea basin strategies at the national level. They collaborate closely with the European Commission, national authorities, implementing bodies, and regional stakeholders. During the event, representatives from the National Hubs, Sea Basin coordinators, the Assistance Mechanism team, DG MARE, and CINEA shared perspectives on enhancing future cooperation. The open format encouraged candid discussions on current challenges, opportunities, and reaffirmed a collective commitment to the EU’s maritime vision.

Celebrating Success: Photo Exhibition

On the Macro-Regional and Sea Basins Strategies Days, a photo exhibition showcased impactful projects supported by the Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism. The exhibition featured projects from across the Atlantic, Black Sea and WestMED, such as:

Aquawind (Atlantic) – a pioneering project combining offshore renewable energy with finfish aquaculture, offering innovative solutions for sustainable food and energy production.
Black Sea CONNECT (Black Sea) – focused on boosting research collaboration and launching the Black Sea Young Ambassadors Programme.
2B-BLUE (WestMED) – aimed at strengthening the blue biotechnology sector through demonstration sites, public–private partnerships, and knowledge exchange.

These examples illustrate how the Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism is driving innovation, fostering cross-border collaboration, and promoting knowledge-sharing across Europe’s maritime regions. From renewable energy in ports to youth engagement and blue biotech, the showcased projects reflect the Ocean Pact’s goals in action—protecting marine ecosystems, empowering coastal communities, and building a resilient blue economy.

The networking event reaffirmed the essential role of National Hubs in delivering the EU’s Sea Basins Strategies and underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation to achieve shared maritime objectives.

samir Bachouce, together with 3 other people from the televion program posing in front of a television screen from Canal Algérie

Mediterranean Coast Day 2025 – Samir Bachouche from WestMED Algeria, interviewed on national television

30 September 2025/in News /by National Hub Algeria

On the occasion of Mediterranean Coast Day, Dr. Samir Bachouche, researcher at Algeria’s National Centre for Research and Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CNRDPA) and Algeria’s WestMED National Hub, was a featured guest on the Algerian national television: Canal Algérie.

During a special broadcast on September 29 2025, as part of the program ‘Bonjour Algérie,’ Dr. Bachouche raised public awareness about the urgent need to protect our shared Mediterranean Sea, translating the symbolic Mediterranean Coast Day of September 25, into a powerful call to action for our coast. The intervention aimed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public engagement, making the complex challenges of the Mediterranean accessible to a wide audience.

Dr. Bachouche highlighted the sobering projections for the Mediterranean by 2050 from the UN’s Plan Bleu. He emphasized that the basin is a global climate change hotspot, warming 20% faster than the global average. Key figures were used to illustrate the scale of the crisis: over 75% of its assessed fish stocks being overexploited. This alarming diagnosis served to underscore the profound threats to the region’s biodiversity, food security, and the livelihoods of 150 million coastal inhabitants.

The core message pivoted from diagnosis to a proactive roadmap for solutions, firmly attached in the principles of a sustainable blue economy.

Samir Bachouche argued that this paradigm offers a tangible path forward, where ecological preservation and economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing. He outlined concrete opportunities for Algeria and the wider WestMED region, including the development of sustainable aquaculture, responsible eco-tourism that values natural heritage, and investment in renewable energies.

He concluded with a powerful call for collective action, stressing that the future of the Mediterranean depends on the coordinated efforts of policymakers, scientists, the private sector, and engaged citizens.

More about the Mediterranean Coast Day: https://coastday.net/

Contact Samir Bachouche: algeria@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

people listening in conference room seated at round tables with a speaker presenting.

Libya advances capacity building and quality assurance in the fisheries sector

14 September 2025/in News, Uncategorized /by Communication team

On 14 September 2025, Tripoli hosted a national workshop to define priorities and develop an action plan for a capacity-building and quality assurance program in Libya’s fisheries sector.

The event gathered representatives from government institutions, regulatory agencies, academia, research bodies and the private sector, creating a platform for dialogue on current challenges and future opportunities for the sustainable development of fisheries in Libya.

Discussions focused on strengthening quality assurance mechanisms, aligning with international standards, and identifying training needs to improve skills across the sector. Participants highlighted the importance of adopting modern practices in fishing, production and distribution to reinforce supply chains and build confidence in Libyan fish products at both national and international levels.

By improving competitiveness, the initiative is expected to contribute to economic diversification, job creation and stronger integration of Libya into the Mediterranean blue economy.

The workshop was organized under the framework of the EU4SKILLS project, funded by the European Union in Libya with co-funding from the French government, and implemented by Expertise France in cooperation with Libyan partners. The project supports skills development and employment governance, paving the way for more inclusive and sustainable growth.

More information

Contact Masauda Abuarosha (WestMED National Hub Libya): libya@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu
More about the launch of the EU4Skills in Libya (august 2024)