The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, together with Cork City Council and the European Commission hosted European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025 in Cork on 21-23 May. This annual EU event brings Europe’s maritime community together to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
The 3-day event featured 24 workshop sessions under six key themes: Coastal Communities, Maritime Security and Surveillance, Blue Energy, Enablers, Maritime Cooperation, and Food Security. Over 1,000 delegates attended, including MEPs; policy makers; maritime stakeholders; NGOs; and academics.
“As an island nation, our relationship with the sea isn’t just part of our geography – it’s woven into the very fabric of our identity, our economy, and our future,” said Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. “Waters surrounding us have sustained our people through generations, connected us to the wider world, and today offer unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. The government is determined to ensure our maritime traditions adapt and grow while achieving our challenging climate targets, utilising our natural resources to secure an environmentally friendly, clean energy future for our citizens.”
Ireland‘s economy, culture and society is inextricably linked to the sea. The island nation has one of the largest sea areas in Europe. Cork has a rich maritime heritage and status as home to Ireland’s naval base, Hawlbowline; the National Maritime College; and the world-renowned Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine.
“Ireland plays a pivotal role in shaping maritime policy and advancing marine innovation, research, and environmental stewardship,” said Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien. “Hosting European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork provides a fantastic platform to showcase Ireland’s leadership across many sectors – offshore renewable energy, marine spatial planning, marine biodiversity protection, and coastal community development, while fostering collaboration among likeminded European Member States, the European Commission and other maritime stakeholders.”
