SEARICA ANNIVERSARY EVENT: ONE YEAR OF STEERING OCEAN ACTION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
SEARICA ANNIVERSARY EVENT: ONE YEAR OF STEERING OCEAN ACTION IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Hosted by MEP Christophe Clergeau, SEArica Chair
Organised with the support of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions
TUESDAY 14 APRIL 2026 – 13:30 to 15:30
follow by a networking drink
European Committee of the Regions, JDE 52, Brussels
One year after our renewal for the 2024-2029 term and our February 2025 Launch Conference, it is time for the SEArica Intergroup in the European Parliament to take stock of our achievements during this first year and to set the groundwork for future successes.
This anniversary conference will be an opportunity to assess SEArica’s role in helping deliver an ambitious and transformative Ocean Pact, and reaffirm the importance of ensuring the Pact’s concrete implementation. It will also serve as a moment of reflection and exchange on the contents of the future Ocean Act. The publication of the Act is set for the end of this year, and will occupy an important place in SEArica’s work in 2026 and beyond as we aim to reshape and fully integrate Ocean governance in Europe.
As no policy can succeed without being anchored in territorial realities and implemented with local actors, regional voices must play a central role in delivering on the Ocean Pact in Islands and Coastal Areas. The EU Strategy on Islands and Coastal Communities can provide a unique vision for our local communities, paying close attention to their respective specificities, challenges and innovative visions. This anniversary conference will therefore also be a moment to hear from regional actors working for islands and for coastal areas.
The SEArica Members of the European Parliament invite you to join them for this one-year anniversary event of the SEArica Intergroup 2024-2029 to continue to shape the Ocean policy of the future together.
Event Properties
| Event Date | 14-04-2026 13:30 |
| Event End Date | 14-04-2026 15:30 |
| Categories | Conférence 2025-2029 |
| Attachment | Final Agenda 14_04_2026 SEArica conference 1.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.
