Tides of Cooperation: The Atlantic Strategy as a Catalyst for the European Ocean Pact

The 12th Atlantic Stakeholder Platform Conference will take place five years after the launch of the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0 – A New Approach to the Atlantic Maritime Strategy. The Conference will, as in previous years, provide all stakeholders of the Atlantic Community the opportunity to review the progress and achievements made so far regarding AAP 2.0 objectives and blue economy challenges in the Atlantic Sea Basin. 

This year’s Irish Presidency of the Atlantic Steering Committee has been focusing on four key priorities:

• Promote the Atlantic Strategy from the Regional to the International dimension

• Seek Synergies with Other Sea Basin Initiatives 

• Develop a community of practice on Marine Spatial Planning 

• Review of the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0

Based on this approach, the Atlantic Stakeholder Platform Conference (ASPC 2025) will have dynamic sessions to promote the Atlantic Strategy, enhance cross-sea basin dialog, develop a community of practice on Marine Spatial Planning, and review the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0 by fostering participation of different communities, regional and local stakeholders.

The Atlantic Days in Galway

Like in previous years, the conference will be set in close liaison with Interreg Atlantic Area Managing Authority Annual event and Blue Synergies Event – The Atlantic Days in Galway. It illustrates the strong cooperation between Atlantic Steering Committee and the Interreg Atlantic Area Managing Authority to support the Atlantic Action Plan implementation.

It will also be an essential point of discussion and interaction between existing and new Atlantic players from different geographies (WestMED, Black and North Sea) and regions, and the place to showcase new projects and innovative ways to secure funding, work and collaborate. 

The conference will offer a great transnational publicity opportunity to deliver the AAP 2.0 key messages and further promote awareness of its achievements. In particular, the conference aims to:

• Overview of the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0: Provide an overview of the current status of the AAP 2.0, assess its implementation and identify areas for improvement to better address emerging challenges and opportunities.

• Strengthen European Cooperation: Foster collaboration among Atlantic Member States to enhance maritime efforts and achieve a sustainable and vibrant future.

• Enhance Synergies and Sustainable Practices: Promote best practices, funding opportunities, community platforms and innovative solutions to ensure sustainable use of maritime resources and promote the Blue Economy and the EU Green Deal.

• Promote Inclusivity and Sustainable Development: Engage Atlantic communities in dialogue and initiatives that support inclusive and sustainable maritime development.

• Advance Marine Spatial Planning: Develop a community of practice to improve marine spatial planning and management.

• Foster Greater Territorial Cooperation: Strengthen regional and cross-sea basin cooperation, identify common challenges of all EU Sea Basins and foster discussions on finding solution to achieve cohesive and sustainable growth in the Atlantic area.

Date & Location

This year’s conference will take place physically in Galway, Ireland on the 13th of November 2025. The selected venue for the conference is the Marine Institute in Galway. The event will also be available online. 

Registrations & Agenda

Make sure to register in the link: HERE

registration link is for the Atlantic Days in Galway (more info here)

ASPC 2025 agenda: here

Atlantic Project Awards 2025

The Atlantic Project Awards feature outstanding initiatives, successful collaborations and achievements relevant to the implementation of the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0. The call is now open! Find more here

ASPC 2024

Check out the report from last year’s ASPC 2024 conference

For the latest information visit the Atlantic Maritime Strategy website