Shaping the Mediterranean’s Blue Future: Highlights from the 2025 WestMed Stakeholder Conference

The 5^th WestMed Stakeholder Conference brought the Mediterranean community to Tunis on 28 November, gathering policymakers, academia, blue economy experts and project leaders to discuss how to steer the region’s blue economy towards a more sustainable future. 

Among the many discussions on maritime skills, ocean literacy, maritime spatial planning and cluster cooperation, WestMed Awards stand out as a showcase of ambition and innovation supported by the European Union.

CallmeBlue wins recognition for strengthening maritime clusters

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the announcement of the WestMed Project Awards. CallmeBlue, funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), received recognition for its work in building stronger maritime cluster alliances across the Mediterranean.

The project focuses on helping clusters connect public and private actors – from small and medium companies and research centres to universities and large companies. By improving cooperation between northern and southern shores, CallmeBlue aims to accelerate technology transfer, innovation and skills development.

Its ambition is to strengthen existing clusters on the European shores of the Mediterranean while supporting the emergence of clusters in North Africa. The project also developed a transferable training toolkit that future clusters can use to navigate legal, structural and management challenges. 

MEDIGREEN at the heart of mediterranean marine spatial planning

The conference also offered a stage to MEDIGREEN, a project exploring how Maritime Spatial Planning can drive the green transition in the Mediterranean. With the basin facing intertwined environmental and socio-economic pressures, MEDIGREEN is working with both EU and non-EU countries to bring maritime spatial planning closer to the ambitions of the European Green Deal. Funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, its work highlights how coordinated planning can support cleaner aquaculture, responsible fisheries, offshore renewables and stronger protection of marine ecosystems.

CINEA’s Project Adviser Anja Detant contributed to the session on blue skills, addressing the importance of aligning training and capacity-building with the priorities of Mediterranean countries.

She mentioned: 

“We not only need to understand the skills needs for the traditional maritime sectors, but also for the jobs of the future in the maritime economy. What key competences do we need for a sustainable and competitive blue economy? How can we bridge the existing gaps between education and employment for the maritime sectors? 

We also need to work more on ocean literacy, engaging with young people and raising awareness about the importance of our ocean and seas. By doing this we can engage young people to become drivers of a more sustainable approach, and prepare them to be the professionals of the future”

A call for feedback: the WestMed survey

During the conference, participants were also invited to take part in the newly launched WestMed survey, aimed at project beneficiaries who have received EU support in the region. The survey collects insights on access to funding, project impact, cooperation across borders and long-term continuity.

Responses will help the EU and partner countries refine future initiatives and ensure they meet the region’s evolving needs. Open until mid-January 2026, it is an important opportunity for beneficiaries to shape the next generation of Mediterranean blue economy actions.