panel of experts sitting behind a table on stage at the EMD 2026 in Limassol

Reinforcing maritime cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean: stakeholders discuss future pathways at European Maritime Day 2026

/dans /par

On 21 May 2026, blue economy stakeholders gathered at European Maritime Day (EMD) 2026 in Limassol for a workshop dedicated to exploring how Sea Basin Strategies can support stronger maritime cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region that currently lacks a dedicated framework for regional cooperation.

The discussion took place against the backdrop of the European Ocean Pact, which highlights the importance of regional cooperation in advancing sustainable blue economy objectives. The Pact calls for the development of a blue economy sea basin strategy for the Eastern Mediterranean, building on the experience of the WestMED Initiative and in cooperation with existing regional bodies.

The workshop provided an opportunity to exchange views on how experiences from existing Sea Basin Strategies in the Western Mediterranean, Black Sea and Atlantic could help shape future cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Participants also discussed the main challenges, needs and priorities that could guide the development of a future regional cooperation framework.

The role of Sea Basin Strategies

The first part of the workshop focused on lessons learned from established cooperation mechanisms, including Sea Basin Strategies, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and EU Macro-Regional Strategies.

Speakers highlighted the value of structured policy coordination, long-term strategic planning and sustained technical dialogue among countries, even in challenging geopolitical contexts. The importance of creating synergies with existing regional and macro-regional frameworks was also underlined.

Representatives from the European Commission (DG MARE), the Union for the Mediterranean, and the Spanish and Bulgarian presidencies of three Sea Basin Strategies (Atlantic, WestMED and Black Sea) shared practical experiences and examples of successful regional cooperation supporting sustainable blue economy development.

Identifying needs and opportunities in the Eastern Mediterranean

The second part of the workshop focused on the specific context of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Participants highlighted persistent gaps in regional cooperation structures, limited coordination mechanisms among national authorities, uneven implementation of maritime and environmental policies, and challenges related to data sharing and governance fragmentation.

At the same time, stakeholders identified significant opportunities to strengthen cooperation by building on existing initiatives and networks, particularly within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean.

Representatives from countries that could play a key role in a future cooperation framework, including Cyprus and Greece, emphasised the added value of a more structured regional approach to support sustainable blue economy development and foster collaboration across the region.

Looking ahead

The workshop concluded with discussions on possible next steps towards enhanced maritime cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Participants highlighted the importance of building on existing regional mechanisms and ensuring complementarity with ongoing initiatives. Discussions also pointed to the upcoming feasibility study, expected to be launched in the second half of 2026, which will assess options for developing a dedicated cooperation framework for the region.

Overall, the workshop provided a valuable platform for dialogue between stakeholders from across Europe, bringing together experience from established Sea Basin Strategies and perspectives from the Eastern Mediterranean to help shape future cooperation efforts in the region.

Participants

  • Christos Economou, European Commission, DG MARE
  • Theodoulos Mesimeris, Secretary-General, Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry
  • Dr Mohamed Ali Tamimi, Deputy Secretary-General for Sustainable Development, Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)
  • Carlos Lorenzo, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain (representing the Atlantic and WestMED Sea Basin Strategies)
  • Tatyana Savova, Head of EU Affairs Unit, Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria (representing the Black Sea Sea Basin Strategy)
  • Ioanna Kapelouzou, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece
  • Alessandra Sensi, Head of Sector, Environment, Green and Blue Economy, UfM Water, Environment and Blue Economy Division

Moderator

  • Javier Fernández, Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism, Ecorys