Brussels, 4 March 2026. The Coalition of cities, regions, islands and ports for the Mission Ocean and Waters, implemented by the CO-WATERS project, is now open to waterfront authorities and their local partners and stakeholders.
CO-WATERS provides a coherent set of services to support Coalition members in driving cleaner, healthier and more resilient marine and freshwater systems under the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030".
Key services offered to members include:
- Networking and peer learning: Peer learning and collaboration, enabling the sharing of experiences and tested approaches.
- Capacity building: Hands-on training, mentoring, and guidance to strengthen skills and support the development of robust Transition Plans.
- Stakeholder engagement support: Practical tools and formats designed to foster inclusive and effective participatory processes.
- Funding and implementation support: Guidance on funding and financing to support the investment readiness of Transition Plans.
- Recognition: The Label in support of the Mission Ocean and Waters recognises cities, regions and islands’ efforts to contribute to the EU Mission objectives.
“CO-WATERS provides structured and practical support that helps waterfront authorities and their local partners and stakeholders turn their blue ambitions into action,” said Annemie Wyckmans, CO-WATERS Coordinator. “Our services are refined through practical experience and direct feedback from Coalition members, ensuring they remain relevant, flexible and useful across different contexts.”
Through these services, CO-WATERS strengthens collaboration and accelerates implementation, contributing directly to achieving the objectives of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” and scaling local action into measurable European impact.
Waterfront authorities located in the EU or Associated Countries are invited to join the Coalition at any stage of their journey, together with supporting organisations in their ecosystem.
For more information, and to learn how to join, visit: https://www.co-waters.eu/coalition
Additional information for editors
CO-WATERS is a Horizon Europe project (2025-2029) empowering waterfront communities to lead the transition to clean, healthy and resilient marine and freshwater systems. Backed by 17 partners, including six Pilot areas, the project brings together key stakeholders into a Coalition of cities, regions, islands and ports for the Mission Ocean and Waters, and supports them with various services to reach the objectives of key EU blue frameworks and strategies such as the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”, the European Ocean Pact and the Water Resilience Strategy.
Media Contact:
Clea Prieto Perosanz, LGI Sustainable Innovation
clea.prieto@lgi.earth
