News

Flanders has a strong start-up scene, but too few companies manage to scale successfully. VLAIO’s new scale-up monitor highlights where growth potential remains untapped and which barriers are still holding ambitious businesses back.

Flat oyster reefs disappeared from much of the North Sea and European waters in the early 20th century. Recently, around 200,000 young oysters were released to help restore these reefs, aiming to revive both the habitat and the rich biodiversity it once supported.

Do you want your SME to take a solid leap forward within the themes of internationalisation, digitalisation, sustainable and circular entrepreneurship or innovation? Then apply for the SME growth subsidy before 1 September and strengthen your strategic capabilities.

The European Prep4Blue project has been successfully completed after three years. The project put a strong focus on engaging various stakeholders, from citizens to policymakers, to turn ambitions for healthy oceans and waters into concrete actions.

The European Commission has recently launched the EU Blue Economy Report 2025. This report provides a detailed picture of the performance of the blue economy in Europe and shows how the sector contributes to economic growth, innovation and sustainability.

The Flemish blue economy continues to evolve, so it is necessary to have an up-to-date look at the state of affairs. Within this scope, we proudly present the latest version of our brochure "Gearing up our blue knowledge – Tackling ocean challenges in the UN Decade of Ocean Science".

Within the scope of the European Ocean Pact, Blue Cluster has published a new position paper. This document puts forward six strategic priorities that are essential to use the full potential of our marine areas in a sustainable and balanced way.

The federal policy document North Sea 2025 of Minister Verlinden forms the policy framework for the Belgian North Sea area in the current legislature. During the discussion in the Belgian parliament, the Minister emphasized the need for an integrated approach to safety, economy and ecology.

Would you like to know more about innovations linked to the sea? Come to Ostend at Anchor and visit the blue innovation village. Various companies and organisations from the blue economy gladly present a wide range of innovative projects, services and products.

Last week, the Belgian parliamentary committee discussed the North Sea policy paper by the new North Sea Minister Annelies Verlinden. The North Sea remains a crucial link in the Belgian economy, energy supply and biodiversity in the plans of the minister.