Industry
The Blue Economy Observatory will help fill the data gap in this area (photo: F.Dubessy)
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EU. The European Commission has decided to launch an EU Blue Economy Observatory on Thursday 19 May 2022. This communication platform is intended to be "a one-stop shop for ocean-related activities, the latest socio-economic and scientific data, market information and current trends", says a statement.
"It will fill the knowledge gap that exists in the sector today and will help businesses, policy makers and stakeholders make informed decisions in carrying out their projects," comments Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. "This will help build a sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral blue economy in the EU," the European Commission insists, "and implement projects for the benefit of coastal communities."
The creation of this observatory is part of the European Commission's transition strategy, the Green Deal for Europe, adopted in July 2021, and its sustainable blue economy chapter.
This area was addressed in detail for the first time in its environmental dimension by the EU in a report on the blue economy, published in June 2020, which stated, among other things, "We will ensure that research, innovation and education contribute to the transition to a European blue economy".
"It will fill the knowledge gap that exists in the sector today and will help businesses, policy makers and stakeholders make informed decisions in carrying out their projects," comments Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. "This will help build a sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral blue economy in the EU," the European Commission insists, "and implement projects for the benefit of coastal communities."
The creation of this observatory is part of the European Commission's transition strategy, the Green Deal for Europe, adopted in July 2021, and its sustainable blue economy chapter.
This area was addressed in detail for the first time in its environmental dimension by the EU in a report on the blue economy, published in June 2020, which stated, among other things, "We will ensure that research, innovation and education contribute to the transition to a European blue economy".
"Creating innovative ways of interacting with the oceans"
The work of the Observatory will be coordinated by DG MARE (Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) and DG JRC (Joint Research Centre). A steering committee, composed of experts from the European Commission and different Directorates-General, will be set up to cover the main industries and sub-sectors of the blue economy.
"Scientific research is essential to deepen our knowledge of the sea, to create innovative ways of interacting with the oceans and to ensure evidence-based EU policies that guide us towards a more sustainable future," says Mariya Gabriel. European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, she adds that "this new Observatory will greatly expand our analytical responsiveness and reach across the EU."
"Scientific research is essential to deepen our knowledge of the sea, to create innovative ways of interacting with the oceans and to ensure evidence-based EU policies that guide us towards a more sustainable future," says Mariya Gabriel. European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, she adds that "this new Observatory will greatly expand our analytical responsiveness and reach across the EU."
