Established in 2008, European Maritime Day (EMD) is the annual EU meeting point on maritime affairs and sustainable blue growth, and the place where ‘Ocean Leaders Meet’ as the slogan goes. It is also a public event reaching out to young people and citizens across Europe through local events under the ‘EMD in my Country’ label.
EMD has not only enabled many project partnerships and co-operations among stakeholders, it has also contributed to getting the need of sustainable management of ocean resources higher on the EU’s agenda.
Stakeholders generally find the European Maritime Day a great opportunity to touch base with strategic partners, to make new contacts and network, get visibility for their projects, ideas, activities and achievements, gain new insights into the evolving EU policy and funding landscape and provide input into European Maritime Policy formulation.
European Maritime Day takes place every year at the end of May. The conference takes place in a different EU country each year, see current list until 2029 below. The cities are selected following a call for interest launched in the Council of Ministers every five years. The latest call took place in 2022.
Timeline
- 2029Cherbourg
- 2028Heraklion
- 2027Santander
- 2026Limassol
- 2025Cork
- 2024Svendborg
- 2023Brest
- 2022Ravenna
Sustainable blue economy for green recovery
- 2021Den Helder
Towards a sustainable blue economy and ocean literacy for all
- 2020Cork
Because of the coronavirus and social distancing rules, the event was cancelled
- 2019Lisbon
Blue entrepreneurship, research, innovation and investment to boost sustainable technologies and emerging value chains in the wider ocean economy.
- 2018Burgas
A blue growth Initiative for research and innovation in the Black Sea
- 2016Turku
Investing in blue growth – smart and sustainable solutions
- 2015Piraeus
Ports and coasts, gateways to maritime growth
- 2014Bremen
Innovation driving blue growth
- 2013Valletta
Coastal development and sustainable maritime tourism
- 2012Gothenburg
Sustainable growth from the oceans, seas and coasts
- 2011Gdansk
Maritime policy: putting people first
- 2010Gijón
How to foster innovation?
- 2009Rome
Integrated maritime policy and the contribution of maritime clusters
- 2008Brussels
A regional approach to the implementation of maritime policy