One ocean, shared future: Highlights from European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork

On May 22–23, 2025, the city of Cork, Ireland, became the heart of Europe’s maritime conversation as it welcomed over 1,000 participants from across the continent and beyond for European Maritime Day (EMD). This year’s edition took on particular importance, taking place just one month before the official launch of the Ocean Pact – a bold new initiative to unite efforts for a healthy, resilient, and sustainably managed ocean.

A recurring message throughout the event was that coastal communities, whether urban centers or traditional fishing villages, are united by one ocean rather than divided by separate seas. Their continued well-being – economically, socially, and culturally – requires coordinated support, especially in the face of climate, economic, and geopolitical pressures.

The need to accelerate climate adaptation and expand offshore renewable energy was emphasized as essential to achieving Europe’s climate neutrality goals. Drawing on recent sustainability reports, experts highlighted the importance of scaling up wind, waves, and other marine renewables, while recognizing the increased spatial demands this growth will bring. Strategic planning will be needed to balance these developments with the protection of marine ecosystems and traditional livelihoods.

It was stressed that as Europe’s blue economy grows, so must its commitment to environmental protection and cultural heritage. Safeguarding sustainable fisheries remains critical, but the door must also be open to new technologies and approaches, including wave energy, nature-based solutions (NBS), and innovative concepts like Maripark. The message was clear: a healthy sea and responsible marine use are the keys to our collective resilience.

Throughout the sessions, the critical role of security, monitoring, and data was consistently emphasized. Effective ocean governance hinges on evidence-based decision-making, which in turn requires reliable, consistent, and high-quality marine data. Speakers underscored the urgency of enhancing robust surveillance systems and promoting transparent, data-driven policies at both national and EU levels.

The value of a macro-regional and sea basin approach was repeatedly emphasized. These strategies, which bring together cross-border and cross-sector collaboration, were credited with delivering concrete results across governance, environment, society, and the blue economy.

Equally central was Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) – highlighted in nearly every session as a vital, integrative tool. MSP’s strength lies in early stakeholder engagement, political coordination, and its foundation in the best available scientific knowledge. It continues to be a pillar of Europe’s Ocean management strategy.

In this event also VASAB and Regional Council of Southwest Finland took place to present the Sea2Land Navigator tool developed in the project Baltic Sea2Land and finally to invite all those interested in maritime and coastal planning in the Baltic Sea Region to a major upcoming event – the 5th Baltic MSP Forum, that will take place on November 11-12 in Riga. Registration is open here, and it will be a great opportunity to experience a sense of togetherness and build upon our shared knowledge and experience.

In 2026, the maritime community will gather once again – this time in Limassol, Cyprus – for European Maritime Day 2026.

More information about this event you can find also from Regional Council of Southwest Finland here.

The NESB project is funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

Baltic Sea2Land project is financed with the contribution of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region.

Source of the article:
VASAB / VISION AND STRATEGIES AROUND THE BALTIC SEA

Photo copyright by: https://merialuesuunnittelu.fi/

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