Ports at the heart of European Strategies and Regional Development
EU PORTS STRATEGY EVENT Ports at the heart of European Strategies and Regional Development
Hosted by MEP Nina Carberry, Vice-Chair of the SEArica Intergroup & Organised with the support of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR)
3 February 2026 | 10:00–12:00, European Parliament in Brussels
The meeting will be conducted in English
As the EU develops its future Port Strategy, ports must be recognised as strategic assets that go beyond their role as gateways. They are key drivers of economic growth, innovation, connectivity and the green transition, particularly for coastal, island and peripheral regions. Ports also play an increasing role in Europe’s resilience, security and defence, while supporting clean energy deployment and sustainable transport. To fully unlock this potential, EU funding instruments, notably the future Connecting Europe Facility, must ensure fair access for all ports and provide adequate support to build resilient and innovative maritime economic zones.
In this context, MEP Nina Carberry, SEArica Vice-Chair, invites stakeholders to contribute to the discussion and help shape a European future that maximises the value of ports for coastal communities and Europe as a whole.
>> Click to register click HERE <<
Event Properties
| Event Date | 03-02-2026 10:00 |
| Event End Date | 03-02-2026 12:00 |
| Location | European Parliament Brussels |
| Categories | Conférence 2025-2029,Maritime Transport |
| Attachment | February_Draft Agenda_EU Ports Strategy.pdf |
the SEArica intergroup is re-established
Brussels, February 2025
Charting a new course: the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas Intergroup (SEArica) is re-established in the European Parliament
Continuing its longstanding mission since 2009, the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEArica) intergroup has been successfully re-established as one of the 28 intergroups of the European Parliament. SEArica unites Members of the European Parliament who share a commitment to elevating seas, oceans, and coastal challenges to the top of the European political agenda.
This re-establishment comes at a decisive moment for European maritime policies. By unveiling a European vision with the European Ocean Pact ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, Europe must lead the way toward ambitious international ocean governance. The European Ocean Pact was first announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines for 2024-2029, and later confirmed in the mission letter of Commissioner Costas Kadis.
“The European Ocean Pact is a great opportunity to strengthen our sovereignty, protect the environment, support sustainable jobs in the blue economy, and empower our coastal and island communities. To achieve this, we need an open dialogue with different political forces and stakeholders. The SEArica intergroup is the platform for such dialogue. Our launch event for the intergroup has shown that we can unite behind the European Ocean Pact. This pact can be a win-win for NGOs, industries, policymakers, and citizens alike,” declared Christophe Clergeau, Chair of SEArica Intergroup.
“Tonight, we gave the floor to representatives and stakeholders with different perspectives, yet united in the aim of shaping an ambitious European Ocean Pact—one that goes beyond mere promises, one that delivers results. This evening marks the beginning of a ‘blue coalition’ working towards this common goal,” added Christophe Clergeau.
The re-established intergroup will bring together co-legislators, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to work collaboratively on maritime and coastal challenges. In the presence of the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, and Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for the United Nations Ocean Conference, Ambassador for the Poles and Oceans, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, the SEArica’s inaugural event took place on February 5 in Brussels, setting sail on a new, timely journey for SEArica.
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What is an Intergroup?
The Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup is one of the 28 Intergroups that were approved in December 2024 by the Conference of Presidents for the 10th legislature of the European Parliament. Intergroups can be formed by MEPs from any political group and any parliamentary committee with a view to holding informal exchanges of views on particular issues and promoting contact between MEPs and civil society.
