Vincent Ernoux

Interreg projects in Blue Economy: present and future

Organized by

Mediterranean Multi-Programme Mechanism (MMM)

Description

The Mediterranean Multi-Program Mechanism (MMM) brings together Interreg programs to collaborate more closely and make better use of resources in the Mediterranean region. Since its inception in 2022, eight programs covering 22 Mediterranean countries are already participating.

Given that the blue economy and sustainable tourism are intrinsically linked concepts, the Sun&Blue Congress represents an ideal opportunity to share good practices from the Mediterranean in the field of the blue economy and to promote meaningful dialogue on how to move forward in this sector. It also provides a platform to explore how Interreg programs and projects can contribute to the development of a healthy and sustainable blue economy in the Mediterranean, especially with a view to the post-2027 horizon. 

The event will showcase good practices in the blue economy promoted by Interreg MMM, with high potential for scalability and/or replicability in the Mediterranean and other EU regions. It will be an opportunity for the public to discover new trends and innovative solutions in the blue economy and to exchange experiences with actors from the three shores of the Mediterranean.

Addressed to

Entrepreneurs, professionals offering innovative products/services in Blue Economy, researchers, staff of public bodies working on coastal topics, people interested on applying for funding.

Preliminary Agenda

Moderate: Vincent Ernoux. Coordinator of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme Branch Office for the Western Mediterranean.

1. Introduction 

2. Keynote Speaker. José Manuel Camarero Benítez. Regional Secretary for Tourism of the Valencian Regional Government.

3. The Blue Mediterranean Partnership: the multilateral cooperation framework that supports Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) initiatives in Mediterranean countries, Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).

4. Round table: The present: Blue economy good practices and solutions.

• GREENMEDPORTS: Carbon Footprint Platform and Green Label Port Certification System. Representative from the North Tyrrhenian Port Network Authority (Italy).
• SHARE4MED: Coalition Action Plan of Local Authorities for ocean and water preservation and restoration. Representative from The Blue Season Association (Tunisa).
• The COMMUNITY4TOURISM PLATFORM. Josep Rodríguez. Head of Strategic Projects in the Tourism Services Department of the Barcelona Provincial Council.
• REGENERA4MED. Representative of the Catalan Tourism Board.
• WEST MED Blue Economy Initiative: Inspiring Success stories in Blue Economy projects. Marta Pascual. Oceans & Sustainable Blue Economy - EU Spanish National Hub, WEST MED Initiative.

5. Round table: The future: How do you see the place for Blue Economy in Interreg Projects especially considering the new Multiannual Financial Framework proposal launched by the EC in 2025?  

• Aldo Puleo. Programme Manager at Interreg NEX MED Programme
• Axel Rodríguez. Project Officer. at Interreg NEX MED Programme
• Marta Pascual. Spanish National Hub for WestMED Initiative

6. Conclusions:

• Iglika Yakova. Deputy Head of Unit DG MARE – European Commission (TBC)

Language

English

T01 -Europe’s Advances Towards Sustainability in Tourism

A political and strategic vision of sustainable European tourism. 

This panel will analyze Europe's strategic role in transforming tourism towards more sustainable models, linked to the Green Deal, the Digital Agenda, and the Next Generation Funds. It will address multilevel governance, planning, and financing, with a focus on blue tourism as a key axis. Specific cases led from Brussels will also be presented, and the role of national and regional governments in this transition will be discussed.