How can cities, regions, islands and ports translate EU ocean and water policy objectives into action on the ground? The new CO-WATERS Working Group Policy and Governance in Action will address this question during its first online meeting on 22 October 2026, from 11:00 to 12:30 CEST.
The CO-WATERS Working Groups bring together cities, regions, islands and ports, alongside relevant stakeholders, to exchange experiences, explore shared challenges and identify practical approaches to the blue transition. They provide spaces for peer learning and collaboration, helping members share good practices and develop solutions that respond to their needs.
Making sense of the EU ocean and water policy landscape
The implementation of the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 involves a broad and evolving policy landscape. For local and regional authorities, understanding how different strategies, initiatives and governance frameworks connect is essential to identifying relevant opportunities and translating European objectives into local action.
The first Policy and Governance in Action Working Group meeting will help participants navigate this landscape, with an introduction to the EU Ocean and Waters Mission and relevant European marine, maritime and freshwater policies. Discussions will cover recent developments, including the Water Resilience Strategy, the European Ocean Pact and the Ocean and Water Research and Innovation Strategy.
The session will also introduce the Working Group’s work plan and proposed areas of activity, inviting participants to discuss and validate the approach. A dedicated Q&A will give members the opportunity to share their views, raise questions and contribute to shaping the group’s future work.
A space for exchange and collaboration
The Working Group responds to needs identified through the CO-WATERS needs assessment, which highlighted the importance of clearer guidance on the Mission, relevant EU policies and opportunities for engagement. By bringing together actors working at different governance levels, the group aims to strengthen cooperation, facilitate the exchange of good practices and identify common challenges and practical solutions.
The insights gathered through its activities will also help inform CO-WATERS’ wider work, including the development of services tailored to Coalition members’ needs.
Join the first meeting
The first Policy and Governance in Action Working Group meeting will take place online on:
- Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
- Time: 11:00-12:30 CEST
Participation in CO-WATERS Working Groups is free of charge for members of the Coalition of cities, regions, islands and ports for the Mission Ocean and Waters. Relevant local partners and stakeholders are also encouraged to engage through the Coalition.
Not yet a Coalition member? Join the Coalition to access the Working Groups and other opportunities to connect, learn and contribute to the blue transition.
