Ecorys hosts Networking event for National Hubs

Strengthening Cooperation for the Future of the Blue Economy

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, the Networking Event for National Hubs of the Sea Basin Strategies’ Assistance Mechanism took place during the Macro-regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days at Area 42 in Brussels. The Regional Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism is a 4 year long project which promotes maritime cooperation across EU and non-EU Member States in the Black Sea, Western Mediterranean and Atlantic Sea. More than 20 National hubs are directly or indirectly contracted by Ecorys – from Georgia to Ireland!

This was the first time that all National Hubs from the 3 Sea basins gathered physically around a table and discuss about the future of maritime regional cooperation/sea basin strategies in Europe and beyond, representing an important milestone for collaboration. The session provided an open and constructive space for dialogue between National Hubs, the European Commission, Ecorys as the contractor, and consortium partners, reinforcing the pivotal role of the National Hubs in bringing sea basin strategies to life at the national level.

Key Policy Highlights

• The Ocean Pact – The Commission presented the EU’s long-term vision for the ocean: a unified framework to protect marine ecosystems, strengthen maritime security, expand ocean knowledge, and support coastal communities. The Pact also looks ahead with a Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, new business models such as blue carbon reserves, and strategies for ports, tourism and coastal resilience.
• Budget perspectives – Under the proposed 2028–2034 EU budget, there will be significant funding to sustain fisheries, aquaculture and ocean-related policies. The new structure will offer Member States more flexibility to adapt funds to local needs, while enhancing support for ocean observation, innovation, sustainable blue economy initiatives, and international ocean diplomacy.
• Results of the National Hubs survey, which showed strong commitment and overall positive results, but also highlighted challenges and areas for improvement.
• Recommendations for the future, with an emphasis on flexibility, local engagement, and more targeted support.

Beyond the Discussions

The event continued with a networking drink with the client, followed by a private dinner with the National Hubs and consortium partners at the nhow Brussels Bloom Hotel. Both the drinks, dinner and the smooth organisation of accommodation and travel were impeccably coordinated by our events and communications consultant Sandra Mboumbouni, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for all participants.

This event was not only an exchange of ideas, but also a moment to strengthen collective ownership and future collaboration for the sustainable development of the blue economy.

For further information about this contract or if you’re interested to cooperate and expand our activities in this field, please contact Javier.Fernandez@ecorys.com