Networking Friday: Beyond the European Ocean Pact. Prioritise the Ocean Now!

Europe is uniquely positioned to lead globally on ocean security, sustainability, and innovation. With almost 20% of the world’s EEZ, the EU can strengthen geopolitical influence, unlock a €3 trillion blue economy, secure digital data routes, accelerate renewable energy, protect vital logistics infrastructure, enhance food sovereignty, and stabilise climate and biodiversity. A healthy ocean underpins societal resilience and economic prosperity. Action is urgent: Europe must elevate public awareness, finance Mission Ocean as a strategic security programme, activate cross-border investment mechanisms, reinforce ocean governance, and transform scientific knowledge into policy. Now is the moment for Europe to shape a secure, sustainable future by placing the ocean at the centre of its strategic agenda.Programme (UTC):01:00–01:05 Welcome and introduction 01:05–01:20 Keynote: The strategic urgency of ocean leadership 01:20–01:30 Europe’s seven ocean security pillars 01:30–01:40 Policy pathways: Awareness, financing, governance, and investment 01:40–01:50 Science-to-policy: Turning knowledge into action 01:50–01:58 Q&A with participants 01:58–02:00   Closing remarks

Speakers

Frank Schweikert Director of German Ocean Foundation

Frank Schweikert is a biologist, journalist, ocean advocate, as well as the founder and director of the German Ocean Foundation. Influenced by leading scientists and ocean pioneers, he has driven major marine education, innovation, and policy initiatives, and serves on multiple national and EU ocean governance bodies, including the EU Ocean Mission Board.