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Black Sea 2030 International Forum

EU to Present Strategy for Coastal Communities of Black Sea Region in 2026, Says EC Director for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries

Filip Pavlov, BTA correspondent Stanimir Dimitrov
EU to Present Strategy for Coastal Communities of Black Sea Region in 2026, Says EC Director for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries
EU to Present Strategy for Coastal Communities of Black Sea Region in 2026, Says EC Director for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries
Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission, at the Black Sea 2030: Partnership for a Sustainable Future International Forum in Burgas, October 24, 2025 (BTA Photo/Hristo Stefanov)
Burgas, on the Black Sea,  
24.10.2025 16:37
 (BTA)
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Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission, presented the European Ocean Pact as a key initiative for sustainable management of the seas and oceans during the Black Sea 2030: Partnership for a Sustainable Future International Forum in Burgas on Friday.

"We discussed this pact a few months ago with representatives of local authorities, business communities, mayors. The pact was presented at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France and was one of the most attractive proposals. This proposal was presented by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa," Vitcheva recalled.

She stressed that the ocean and seas regulate the climate, which is why the European Ocean Pact aims to respond to key challenges through six groups of objectives, namely restoring marine ecosystems and biodiversity, strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the blue economy, supporting coastal communities, developing ocean science, protecting maritime security and defence, and strengthening global diplomacy regarding the ocean.

"If we do not treat the ocean with sufficient respect and do not protect it, it will treat us in the same way. Therefore, the first group of goals is to restore marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The second is to strengthen the competitiveness of the blue economy by creating quality jobs related to science and innovation," Vitcheva emphasized, adding that the third group of goals is related to coastal communities, which are both vulnerable due to climate and environmental challenges, but at the same time hold the potential of the blue economy, which can move entire countries forward.

"We plan to present a strategy for coastal communities in the first half of 2026," Vitcheva said. Regarding security and defence, she pointed out that the blue economy cannot develop without a degree of security. 99% of digital connectivity and 80% of transport pass through seas and oceans. This shows how important maritime security is," she commented.

Vitcheva stressed the role of global diplomacy, adding that the world's oceans cannot be managed by one country or another. "The EU is a leader in this regard and must continue to develop its position as a leader in ocean diplomacy", she concluded.

The Black Sea 2030: Partnership for a Sustainable Future International Forum is organized by Burgas Municipality, in partnership with the ProspectiM Association and with the support of the scientific community, maritime business and the non-governmental sector. It focused on the green transition, the protection of the marine and coastal environment, digitalization and the promotion of innovations in the blue economy. The goal of the forum is to create a platform for visionary ideas and the exchange of good practices.

/YV/

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By 17:59 on 26.10.2025 Today`s news

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