WHAT'S ON

World Café: Young Voices for the Atlantic

Following the intention to create an Atlantic Youth Platform to empower young people in Europe’s Atlantic regions, we have launched an online survey targeting youth aged 18–30 in France, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain. A World Café discussion, on 8 May, hosted by UPTEC, will explore the first survey results. It is a great opportunity to celebrate Europe Day, and showcase outcomes from projects financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme, like AWAVES, Free-LitterAT, BluePoint, and BLUE SHUTTLE.

Youth Open Policy Lab in Brest

The Interreg Atlantic Area Programme and GRAAL Project are working together on the consultation for an Atlantic Youth Platform. Following the results of the online survey Youth Voices for the Atlantic, Cerema Cerema and Océanopolis host a Youth Open Policy Lab in Brest, on the 12th of May, featuring a tour of 70.8 - Musée pour l'Océan, discussions on maritime challenges, and a workshop to develop recommendations for the platform. The session allows us to mark Europe Day.

ARMA Network drives forward
Atlantic Strategy and investment priorities

In April, the ARMA Network members met online to discuss ongoing EU Atlantic investment programmes and future macro-regional strategies. They presented 15 flagship Interreg projects, provided an update on the "Young Voices for the Atlantic" consultation, and welcomed a European Commission representative outlining the Atlantic Maritime Macro-region development, targeting a 2027 launch. The ARMA Network was created in 2023 and is coordinated by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme.

UPWELLING is seeking ideas or concepts linked with the ocean and seas

The UPWELLING project UPWELLING project, led by Innovalia and funded by Interreg Atlantic Area Programme, invites submissions for blue economy challenges under the Ocean Hackathon® until May 30. Winners of local editions (Canary Islands, Cork, Brest, Algarve, Oct 16–18) will advance to the Grand Finale in Brest, joining a transnational community. Challenges must use data, focus on ocean sustainability, and require a prototype. Finalists will receive expert coaching.

Field visits to gain a better understanding of the Atlantic seafood sector

The Smart4Sea project, led by the University of Cantabria and funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme, focuses on environmental traceability in the Atlantic seafood sector. The consortium visited the Port of Vigo and the fishing vessel O’ORIENTE to test traceability solutions. A nighttime immersion at Lonja de Vigo offered insights into fish unloading, sales, and logistics for Grand Sole vessels.

‍Joint Secretariat

js@atlanticarea.eu

Managing Authority 

ma@atlanticarea.eu