Bronius Markauskas, Mayor of Klaipėda District hosted a seminar on ‘Delivering Regional Maritime Growth’ with the European Alliance (EA) group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 11-12 September 2024. The seminar brought together local and regional leaders from across Europe to discuss the critical role of maritime regions in driving maritime economic growth and sustainability.
During the two-day event, participants focused on the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s maritime regions, with discussions centred on sustainable maritime development, the importance of marine research and innovation, and the need for strategic investments in port infrastructure. The meeting also addressed the skills required to support the future of the blue economy.
The culmination of these discussions was the adoption of the Klaipėda Declaration, which outlines key actions necessary to enhance the EU maritime economy. The declaration demands the new European Commission and Member States to prioritise maritime affairs in the next mandate and propose a reinforcement of programmes supporting maritime sectors (and fisheries) in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), while favouring an integrated and bottom-up approach. It also emphasises the need for an EU Blue Deal for water policy, increased investment in marine research, sustainable port development, and the upskilling of the maritime workforce.
The EA group’s push for an EU Blue Deal for water policy is closely aligned with the European Commission’s political guidelines for 2024-2029, which also underscore the importance of water security and resilience as crucial components of Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. The guidelines highlight the need to harness the potential of the blue economy to drive innovation, create jobs, and ensure the sustainability of oceans.
This meeting represents a step towards ensuring that maritime regions are adequately supported and empowered to contribute to the EU’s overall economic and environmental goals.
Bronius Markauskas, Mayor of Klaipėda District and host of the event said “Klaipėda’s rich maritime heritage is a testament to the potential that lies within Europe’s coastal regions. This meeting has reinforced our collective resolve to harness that potential sustainably. The Klaipėda Declaration is a crucial step towards ensuring that our seas and oceans remain a source of prosperity for future generations.”
Karl Vanlouwe, President of the EA group said “The time has come for Europe to tap into the potential of maritime regions to enhance sustainable economy and competitiveness. As EA group we reiterate the need for an EU Blue Deal for water policy in order to ensure the efficient use of this strategic resource for our economic sectors as well as farmers. This declaration is a clarion call to the European Commission and Member States to prioritise water and the blue economy in their strategies for the next mandate.”
Delegates also visited the port of Klaipėda and a local aquaculture farm.
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Klaipėda Declaration ‘Delivering Regional Maritime Growth’