WestMED featured at the Blue Economy Partnership Forum 2025 in Malta
The Blue Economy Partnership Forum, held in Malta on 24–25 April 2025, brought together around 20 participants from across the Mediterranean region, as part of WestMED’s supported CallMeBlue initiative.
It was an invite-only event, co-organised by the ANIMA Investment Network and Malta Enterprise, and taking place back-to-back to the EU Startup Summit. The event aimed to strengthen north-south cooperation and accelerate the formation of strategic maritime clusters. Through matchmaking sessions, pitching rounds, and networking activities, the Forum provided a dynamic platform for SMEs, clusters, and innovation leaders to build partnerships and explore collaborative opportunities in the fast-growing blue economy sector.
On behalf of WestMED’s Maltese National Hub, Maria Cini delivered a keynote speech focused on “Empowering SMEs in the Blue Economy: The Role of the WestMED.” Her message: SMEs are the backbone of the Blue Economy, yet face major challenges in terms of financial pressures, complicated regulations, limited access to markets, and other barriers.
In this context, support structures like the WestMED Initiative are crucial for building a smart, secure, and sustainable maritime space in the western Mediterranean. By identifying funding opportunities, fostering partnerships, and promoting thematic cooperation platforms, WestMED empowers SMEs to innovate, access new markets, and strengthen collaboration across the region, laying the foundation for a more resilient, integrated, and sustainable Blue Economy.
Lorella Ciuti (WestMED National Hub Portugal) was also present on behalf of Forum Oceano/ the CALLMEBLUE Cluster Alliance Med Blue project, a collaborative initiative driving sustainable growth through stronger maritime clusters.
The event successfully connected start-ups and reinforced the message that building a sustainable and resilient maritime future requires not only innovation but also strong partnerships, targeted assistance, and collective action across the Mediterranean.
