Recap from the European Ocean Days: EUROLakes project on the spotlight
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Rivers and Lakes
The EUROLakes project, which we are coordinating, exemplifies how targeted, collaborative initiatives can translate policy objectives into practical action, demonstrating that investing in natural water systems benefits both people and the planet. Events such as the European Ocean Days highlight the growing recognition that healthy freshwater ecosystems are essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the resilience and competitiveness of Europe’s blue economy.
From 2 to 6 March 2026, the European Ocean Days were hosted in Brussels, bringing together policymakers, researchers and financial institutions to discuss the future of Europe’s oceans and waters. For EUROLakes, this event offered an important opportunity to engage in debates shaping the future of the blue economy – the range of economic activities related to oceans, seas, coastal areas and inland waters, including sectors such as fisheries, renewable energy, water management and maritime innovation – and to highlight the critical role of lakes and wetlands in strengthening Europe’s water resilience.
Throughout the discussions, the growing strategic importance of the blue economy was emphasised. In a context where geopolitical competition is intensifying and global supply chains are shifting, ocean and water-related sectors are becoming increasingly central to issues such as energy security, food systems and technological innovation.
At the same time, several discussions highlighted that the long-term resilience of the blue economy depends on the health of natural ecosystems. Wetlands and lakes play a fundamental role in regulating water systems, storing carbon, filtering pollutants, and supporting biodiversity and local communities. Their multiple benefits, including the capacity to reduce the impacts of floods and droughts, make them critical allies in addressing climate change.
During the European Ocean Days, the EUROLakes team actively contributed to these exchanges through a dedicated stand, where we engaged directly with EU stakeholders, researchers and practitioners. This provided an opportunity to present the project’s objectives and ongoing activities, exchange perspectives on freshwater resilience, and strengthen connections with potential partners. Informational materials, including project flyers, were distributed to increase visibility and foster further dialogue around the role of lakes and wetlands within the broader blue economy framework.
As highlighted by Aleksandra Starčević from Wetlands International Europe, “what happens upstream affects our oceans,” a reminder of the interconnected nature of freshwater and marine ecosystems and the importance of integrated water management.
In this context, initiatives such as EUROLakes play a key role in advancing both knowledge and practical solutions for the protection and restoration of natural lakes and wetlands. By promoting science-based approaches, nature-based solutions and collaboration with local stakeholders, the project contributes to enhancing water resilience, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable water management across Europe.