UfM Regional Platform on Sustainable Blue Economy advance on sea-basin strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean
20 – 22 April 2026, Barcelona. The 19th UfM Regional Platform on Sustainable Blue Economy, held at the UfM in Barcelona, brought together UfM countries, observers and key Mediterranean stakeholders to advance regional cooperation on the sustainable blue economy, with discussions focusing on implementation, investment opportunities such as the Blue Med Partnership and new regional initiatives, including the Eastern Mediterranean sea-basin strategy.
The meeting focused on the implementation of the 2021 UfM Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy and its Roadmap, while addressing emerging regional priorities and opportunities. Discussions covered updates on the EU Ocean Pact and the Med Pact, ongoing and new initiatives such as synergies with WestMED, and the first working session towards a Blue Economy Sea-basin strategy for the Eastern Mediterranean.
Participants also explored funding opportunities, including the Blue Mediterranean Partnership, and exchanged key UfM Ministerial priorities such as sustainable food from the sea and sustainable tourism. The discussions reaffirmed the UfM Regional Platform’s role as a key mechanism for dialogue, coordination, and practical cooperation across the Mediterranean.
Blue Mediterranean Partnership 5th Steering Committee Meeting (20 April 2026)
UfM countries, including Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt, as beneficiary countries, and IFIs also gathered in Barcelona on 20 April for the 5th Steering Committee of the Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP). As multilateral Fund and cooperation framework supporting Sustainable Blue Economy projects in Mediterranean countries, the BMP is up and running with first investment projects moving forward and focusing on key SBE priorities including marine ecosystem regeneration, Marine Renewable Energies, and green ports. The programme included updates on projects both approved and in the pipeline.
