Morocco-news Archives

group of people standing at the start of the conference

The Development of Regional Maritime Clusters in Morocco

3 April 2026/in News /by National Hub Morocco

On 31 March 2026, a high-level national conference took place in Rabat on “The Role of Regions in the Development of Maritime Clusters”, organised in partnership between the Association of Moroccan Regions (ARM) and the WestMED initiative.

The ARM brings together the presidents of the country’s 12 regions to coordinate their actions and represent their interests to the public authorities. It plays a central role in accelerating advanced regionalisation and developing strategic territorial projects.

Approximately 120 participants joined this event, including representatives from regional councils, territorial administrations, ministerial departments, and public institutions. Also in attendance were delegates from Regional Investment Centres (CRI), representatives from the private sector, civil society, and academia, international financial institutions, as well as Moroccan and international experts specialising in the development of the blue economy and maritime clusters.

The opening remarks – delivered by the President of the ARM, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, the European Union delegation, and the WestMED initiative’s National Hub in Morocco – emphasised the multidimensional challenges of deploying regional maritime clusters in terms of territorial development, economic competitiveness, resilience, innovation, sustainability, and strategic projection within a complex geopolitical context.

Fruitful Exchanges

The discussions identified the necessary conditions for the emergence of regional maritime clusters, conceived as territorial ecosystems bringing together businesses, public institutions, research centres, and funding bodies. These platforms, based on strong regional political leadership, commitment, and collaborative management, aim to foster innovation, strengthen skills related to blue economy professions, and support the implementation of structural project portfolios within coastal regions.

The sessions were organised around three strategic pillars. Firstly, an international benchmark of maritime cluster experiences within the global blue economy dynamic, featuring contributions from the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, Pôle Mer Méditerranée (France), Forum Oceano (Portugal), the WestMED Maritime Clusters Alliance, and the World Bank. These exchanges highlighted how such ecosystems, backed by twenty years of international innovation, now serve as essential levers for regional competitiveness and the territorial development of an integrated and structured blue economy in Morocco.

The second session focused on operational approaches tailored to the potential and specificities of Moroccan territories in the face of current transitions. This featured initiatives and perspectives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Equipment and Water, as well as regional maritime clusters. Practical feedback was provided by the regional councils of Dakhla Oued-Eddahab, Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, and Souss-Massa, which underscored the driving role of regions in structuring coastal ecosystems. The coordinator of the WestMED initiative’s Green Shipping technical group highlighted the strategic integration of clusters around blue ports, while the Director General of the Moroccan Green Hydrogen Cluster showcased the experience of regional hubs dedicated to this resource, identifying promising synergies with the maritime sector to consolidate Morocco’s international position.

The final session addressed financial engineering and capacity building, with strategic contributions from regional councils regarding the structuring of blue projects eligible for blue finance taxonomy criteria. In this regard, the Oriental Regional Council highlighted the future cluster surrounding the Nador West Med port. The Ministry of Economy and Finance, the AFD, the EIB, and the African Development Bank provided an overview of innovative financing instruments designed to transform territorial maritime visions and regional clusters into investment plans and bankable projects on both a national and African scale.

The Higher Institute of Maritime Studies (ISEM) outlined the importance of training and research as pillars of the sector, while the Moroccan Alliance for Climate and Sustainable Development (AMCDD) highlighted the role of civil society as a territorial catalyst in supporting the societal transition towards a sustainable blue economy.

The Rabat Call to Action

This day of rich exchanges — which also enjoyed significant media coverage — concluded with the “Rabat Call to Action”. A true manifesto for the territorialisation of the blue economy, this text translates the orientations of the Moroccan Blue Economy Strategy (SNEB) into several priority axes: accelerating the deployment and institutionalisation of regional maritime clusters, developing concerted territorial diagnostics led by the ARM, strengthening North-South and South-South cooperation through the participation of Moroccan regions in the WestMED Initiative’s Mediterranean Maritime Clusters Alliance, and creating interregional corridors to benefit all Moroccan territories.

For more information
Contact Hassan Agouzoul – Hub National WestMED Maroc

This event generated significant media interest, resulting in online articles and television coverage. Below a few examples:

Publications

https://industries.ma/les-regions-au-coeur-de-la-dynamique-de-leconomie-bleue-rabat-reunit-les-acteurs-des-clusters-maritimes/

https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/eu-delegation-official-moroccos-coastlines-spearhead-blue-economy/ar-AA1ZQcMa

https://www.maroc24.com/fr/200546-le-maroc-dispose-de-plusieurs-opportunites-en-matiere-de-clusters-maritime-mme-bouaida/

https://www.innovantmagazine.ma/economie-bleue-les-regions-au-coeur-de-la-dynamique-des-clusters-maritimes-au-maroc/

https://www.laverite.ma/nos-regions-prennent-le-large-vers-une-economie-de-la-mer-creatrice-demplois/

https://en.hespress.com/134800-134800.html

https://www.mapphoto.ma/produit/rabat-conference-sur-les-clusters-maritimes-4-2/

https://www.mapexpress.ma/actualite/societe-et-regions/maroc-dispose-plusieurs-opportunites-en-matiere-clusters-maritime-mme-bouaida/

https://www.mapexpress.ma/actualite/societe-et-regions/developpement-clusters-maritimes-levier-lancrage-territorial-leconomie-bleue-mme-benali/

https://lematin.ma/nation/rabat-mobilisation-pour-structurer-les-clusters-maritimes-regionaux/337670

https://www.mapexpress.ma/actualite/societe-et-regions/conference-rabat-role-regions-developpement-clusters-maritimes-cotiers/

https://lenew.ma/economie-bleue-a-rabat-les-regions-plaident-pour-des-clusters-maritimes-structures

Video

Rôle des régions dans le développement des clusters maritimes côtiers – YouTube

Lenew – YouTube

المغرب يتوفر على فرص عديدة في مجال التجمعات البحرية (السيدة بوعيدة)

https://fb.watch/GlEquQwyND/

brochure announcement with mock of the brochure with coverpage and 2 middle pages

2026 WestMED Brochure – 8 years on

22 February 2026/in News /by Communication team

The 2026 edition of the WestMED Initiative has been released.

It highlights the major results of the WestMED Initiative since its launch in 2017 with a focus on the achievements since the previous 2024 edition of the brochure.

Read about the projects supported by the WestMED Assistance Mechanism, the 38 countries that benefited, the media coverage and much more – including a complete overview of all projects that were awarded funding with the help of the 10 National Hubs.

Download your 2026 edition here

YEP MED Success Story poster with group of students in a port

Success Story. YEP MED Revolutionises Port Skills for Youth across the Mediterranean

3 February 2026/in News /by Communication team

The YEP MED project (Youth Employment in Ports of the Mediterranean) is a transformative initiative designed to bridge the widening gap between the rapidly evolving needs of the port‑logistics sector and the skills available in the regional labor market.

Launched in 2020 and co‑financed by the European Union under the ENI CBC Med Programme, the €2.9 million project set out to strengthen “Blue Skills” across seven Mediterranean countries: Spain, Italy, France, Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan.

Bridging the Skills Gap
At its core, YEP MED responds to youth unemployment in the region by focusing on NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and women – groups often underrepresented in maritime and logistics careers. Despite the sector’s rapid growth, a clear mismatch persists between traditional vocational training and the digital, sustainable, and interconnected demands of modern maritime ports.

To address this, the project is built on three strategic pillars:

Dual Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Curricula: Developing vocational training pathways that combine classroom instruction with hands‑on apprenticeships in real port environments.
Sustainability & Digitalization: Preparing participants for the future of logistics through training in green port operations, environmental regulations, and digital tools used in port community systems.
Public‑Private Partnerships: Creating a collaborative ecosystem linking port authorities, training centers, and SMEs to ensure training remains aligned with industry needs.

Impact and Innovation
One of YEP MED’s most innovative achievements is the Port Virtual Lab (PVL), a digital simulation platform that immerses students in realistic port‑logistics scenarios. Through the PVL, learners can manage trade routes, coordinate terminal operations, and understand complex supply‑chain interactions in a risk‑free environment.

The project’s measurable results reflect its transformative impact:

More than 3,600 students trained in specialized port‑logistics skills
Over 1,000 job placements and internships facilitated
A regional network of 500+ companies established to support ongoing training and employment

A Lasting Blue Skills Ecosystem
Although YEP MED’s official 30‑month timeline has concluded, the initiative has evolved into a permanent, self‑sustaining ecosystem. Its long‑term relevance was recognized internationally when it received the WestMED Project Award 2025, confirming its status as a benchmark for blue skills development and regional cooperation.

Watch the project pitch recording by YEP MED at the WestMED Conference

Scaling beyond the Mediterranean
The Port Virtual Lab has grown far beyond its initial scope. Developed by the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, It is actively used across the Mediterranean and is reaching new regions like the Americas. This expansion reflects YEP MED’s shift from a regional project to a global training model.To ensure sustainability, YEP MED prioritizes a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach, equipping educators with digital and experiential teaching methods. This is supported by CHIRON, a collaborative space where educators can exchange experiences, co-develop case studies, discuss pedagogical approaches, and jointly innovate teaching practices with peers from other institutions.

Sustaining the Community through PLIKA
To maintain momentum, the project launched PLIKA (Port Logistics International Knowledge Academy) as its structural legacy. PLIKA connects training centers, ports, and professionals through continuous capacity building, innovation challenges, and hackathons. Its reach is expanding through the OPEN TRADE MED project, which is bringing YEP MED methodologies to Algeria and Lebanon.

This evolution coincides with a major milestone for the project’s lead coordinator: the 20th anniversary of the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport in 2026. Rather than looking back, the Escola is using this moment to shape the next two decades. New initiatives, such as the “Education Beyond Intelligence” course on human skills in the age of AI and the creation of Arete Plazas in key Mediterranean ports ( physical spaces dedicated to excellence, ethics, and human development), ensure that the spirit of YEP MED remains active, adaptive, and ready to guide the future of global port logistics.

(More on how YEP MED expanded after the project’s official ending – pdf)

EU’s support for Blue Skills
The European Union has become a central driver of Blue Skills development, investing in training, innovation, and workforce transformation to help coastal regions adapt to the digital and sustainable transition of the blue economy. The newly launched European Ocean Pact identifies “advancing ocean research, knowledge, skills and innovation” as one of its six overarching priorities and announces flagship actions to foster blue innovation, literacy, and skills development. The Pact introduces a Blue Generational Renewal Strategy (by 2027) aimed at nurturing a new generation of ocean professionals in marine science, ocean technologies and sustainable fisheries. It highlights the importance of upskilling, digital and entrepreneurial competences, female and youth participation, and appropriate working conditions, as essential drivers for a prosperous and attractive blue economy.

Furthermore, the newly adopted Pact for the Mediterranean, a major EU initiative establishing a new strategic partnership framework between the EU and Southern Mediterranean countries, also acknowledges skills, education and research as foundational pillars for a resilient and integrated Common Mediterranean Space. Within its first pillar, “People: driving force for change, connections and innovation”, the Pact calls for investments in education, skills, circular migration and livelihoods, and announces the creation of a Mediterranean platform on higher education as well as a T-MED Skills Agenda to address workforce and gender gaps, aligning training with the needs of industry and the green and digital transitions.

Through funding programmes such as ENI CBC Med, Interreg, Erasmums+, EMFAF and regional initiatives under the WestMED Framework, the EU, its Member States and partner countries support vocational training, port‑logistics upskilling, digital simulation tools, and stronger cooperation between education providers and industry.

A recent major EU study on Blue Skills resulted in a Blue Competency Framework for education providers, policy makers, employers and people seeking a career in the maritime sector.

This coordinated effort ensures that young people, women, and professionals gain the competencies needed for emerging maritime sectors -from green shipping to marine renewable energy.

Building on this momentum, WestMED will launch a dedicated Blue Skills Technical Group in 2026, creating a permanent platform for countries, experts, and training institutions to jointly advance skills development across the Mediterranean.

More info about YEP MED
Budget	Total: € 2.981.600 EU Contribution: € 2.610.000
Partners/ Countrieshttps://escolaeuropea.eu/	Coordinator/ lead: Escola Europea de Short Sea Shipping (Spain) Port Authority of Barcelona (Spain) Port Authority System of Center-North Tyrrhenian sea (Italy) Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Beirut & Mount Lebanon (Lebanon) Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport – port training institute (Egypt) The Mediterranean Institute of Maritime Training (Tunisia) Merchant Marine and Ports Authority of Tunisia (Tunisia) Valenciaport Foundation (Spain) Marseille Fos Port (France) Damietta Port Authority (Egypt) Aqaba Development Corporation (Jordan) Associated partners MEDPorts Association (Spain) Consell Valencià de la Joventut (spain)
Follow	Website Social media: Facebook YouTube Instagram LinkedIn
Duration	9 September 2020 – 08 December 2023

YEP MED Project Executive Summary

Spain Assumes WestMED Co‑Presidency with a Vision of Synergies among Sea Basins

21 January 2026/in News /by Communication team

Opening welcome message from the new WestMED Co-Presidency

Dear WestMED community,

From January 2026 until the end of 2027, Spain will hold the co-presidency of the WestMED Initiative for a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Mediterranean, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. This co-presidency will be shared with Tunisia in 2026, and with Algeria in 2027.

European policies for the Mediterranean regional area have received a strong boost during 2025, representing a turning point for maritime governance in the region, while generating great opportunities. The Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, and the recent Mediterranean and Ocean Pacts presented by European Commission, which share both vision and objectives with the WestMED Initiative when it comes to the development of a sustainable blue economy, the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity and the support to the coastal communities.

Additionally, it should be pointed out that during 2026 Spain will also be presiding the Atlantic Strategy.

Therefore, the Spanish aim during its co-presidency is to take advantage of these interconnections and synergies, not only between Sea Basin Strategies, but also between maritime sector´s development as well as amongst various stakeholder generations, building intergenerational fairness. Accordingly, our shared motto for both strategies will be:

“Building on synergies for sustainable oceans”

Spain intends to work closely with its WestMED counterparts and partners, to:

Launch the new WestMED Technical Group on Blue Skills, result of the initiative of the 2025 Tunisian and Portuguese co-presidencies.

Initiate discussions for the launch of a Marine Observation and Data Collection community of practice, in parallel with the Atlantic Strategy. This is a new development, closely linked to the proposals of the EU Ocean Pact, which will be included in the Ocean Act planned by the end of 2026.
Take advantage of the simultaneous presidency of the Atlantic Strategy and the co-presidency of WestMed, to boost synergies, bring together blue economy stakeholders and sectors and enhance cooperation between the two Sea Basin Strategies.

The Spanish co-presidency is delighted to embrace this opportunity, which will enable closer ties and collaboration between the two Sea Basin Strategies in an international context where sustainable maritime issues are becoming increasingly relevant.

2025 project awards winners on stage at the WestMED 2025 Conference

Tunis hosts the 5th WestMED Stakeholder Conference: Driving Blue Economy Action Across the Western Mediterranean

1 December 2025/in News /by Communication team

On 28 November 2025, over 200 stakeholders from both shores of the Mediterranean gathered in Tunis, Tunisia, for the 5^th WestMED Stakeholder Conference – a flagship event of the WestMED Initiative.

Building on previous editions in Barcelona, Algiers, Rome, and Malta, this year’s conference highlighted the role of maritime clusters, blue skills, ocean literacy, energy transition, and maritime spatial planning in promoting a more competitive, sustainable, and resilient blue economy across the Western Mediterranean sea basin.

The conference was hosted by the Tunisian co-presidency of the WestMED and organized by the WestMED Assistance Mechanism, with the support of the European Commission.

Recognizing Excellence: WestMED Project Awards 2025

A highlight of the conference was the announcement of the WestMED Project Awards, now in their third edition. These awards honor outstanding projects aligned with the WestMED priorities, providing winners with visibility and recognition across the Mediterranean blue economy community.

Award winners showcased innovation in marine protected areas management, energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture, blue skills and maritime clusters, demonstrating how local initiatives can have a regional impact.
This recognition not only boosts the projects’ visibility but also strengthens cross‑border cooperation, encouraging replication of similar initiatives in other sea basins.

This edition showed a record number of 71 applications. The award winners were:

BLUEPSOL: developing solar-powered solutions for sustainable fishing and aquaculture,
reducing emissions and costs (also voted by participants as the ‘best-of-the-best’).
YEP MED: connecting training centres, ports, and companies across the Mediterranean to align education with real labour market needs
MPA4Change: empowering Mediterranean MPAs to adapt, build resilience, and combat climate change.
BCThubs: building technology excellence hubs, advancing underwater cultural heritage and sustainable blue economy
CallmeBlue: strengthening Mediterranean clusters, fostering cooperation, empowering communities and enhancing skills inclusively.

European Ocean Pact & new Pact for the Mediterranean

Two major policy frameworks were discussed during the conference:

EU Ocean Pact: presented as a unifying framework to safeguard Europe’s seas, it emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and innovation. The conference explored how WestMED priorities support this broader EU agenda.
Pact for the Mediterranean: recently launched, this pact aims to align Mediterranean countries around shared commitments for a resilient and sustainable sea basin. The WestMED Assistance Mechanism was highlighted as a bridge between the pact’s ambitions and concrete project implementation.

Together, these pacts signal a new era of Mediterranean maritime cooperation, linking regional action to European strategies.

Launch of the Blue Skills Technical Stakeholder Group
Recognizing that skills gaps are among the biggest barriers to a thriving blue economy, the conference announced the creation of a new technical stakeholder group on Blue Skills.

This group will bring together experts from the different Western Mediterranean countries to map skill needs, organise training programs, and promote ocean literacy.
It will serve as a platform for universities, training centers, industry, and policymakers to coordinate efforts.
By focusing on capacity building, the group aims to ensure that the Western Mediterranean workforce is equipped to drive the energy transition, innovation, digitalization and maritime spatial planning.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 WestMED Stakeholder Conference delivered three clear outcomes:

Celebration of award‑winning projects that exemplify innovation and cooperation.
Integration of the EU Ocean Pact and the Pact for the Mediterranean into WestMED’s operational agenda.
Launch of a technical stakeholder group on Blue Skills, setting the stage for long‑term workforce development.

Together, these outcomes reinforce the WestMED Initiative’s role as a catalyst for sustainable growth, resilience, and collaboration across the Western Mediterranean and beyond. Next year’s co-presidency will be taken over by Spain and Tunisia, in line with the rotating governance structure of the WestMED Initiative.

A WestMED steering committee meeting preceded the conference, engaging participating countries and the European Commission in discussions on progress and next steps under the initiative.

Conference report

Download the comprehensive conference report.

man holding phone with checkmark in display - sea in the background.

SURVEY – Help shape the future of Mediterranean initiatives supported by the EU

26 November 2025/in News /by Communication team

As part of the implementation of the WestMED Initiative, we invite project beneficiaries to share insights and experiences through this short survey.

Project beneficiairies are those organizations, institutions, or groups that receive or have received direct support or funding for projects in the Western Mediterranean through funding under EU programmes such as EMFAF, Horizon Europe, INTERREG and others.

Your input is essential to assess the coverage, availability, and ongoing relevance of EU-funded programmes and to improve their design and implementation.

By contributing, you will help us identify lessons learned and shape future sustainable blue economy initiatives in the Mediterranean, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse stakeholders—including participants from both EU and non-EU countries.

About the Survey

Duration: It will take less than 15 minutes to complete.
Confidentiality: All responses will be handled in strict compliance with data protection regulations and used only in aggregated and anonymous form.
Scope: You may base your answers on your experience with one or multiple EU-funded projects.

The questionnaire is structured around 6 Sections:

Introduction
Access to funding
Project results and impact
Networks and consortium building
Understanding the barriers in cross-national and sea basin cooperation
Follow-up and continuation of projects.

Click to access the survey

The survey will remain open until the end of February 2026.

On behalf of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), thank you for your time and valuable contribution.

New Study: Climate Change Adaptation in EU Aquaculture

23 November 2025/in News /by Communication team

The European Commission has published a comprehensive study on climate change adaptation in EU aquaculture, providing a timely assessment of the sector’s vulnerabilities, challenges, and opportunities in the face of a changing climate.

Aquaculture is a vital part of Europe’s blue economy, supplying healthy food, supporting coastal communities, and contributing to economic growth. However, the sector is increasingly exposed to climate-related risks such as rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns.

Adapting EU aquaculture to climate change is essential for safeguarding food security, jobs, and the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems. The report highlights the importance of collaboration between industry, researchers, and policymakers to accelerate the uptake of adaptation measures and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

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

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

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

Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategies Days 2025 – EU Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism strengthens Maritime Cooperation

1 October 2025/in News /by Communication team

Copyright photo: Simon Pugh

The EU Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism gathered 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.

Read the full executive summary of the Macro-Regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days

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