The final event of the CEI‑supported project TRUE BLUE – CEI support to Training and Research to Unlock and Enhance the potential of sustainable BLUE Economy for regional cooperation and EU integration took place in Trieste, Italy on 23 November 2016,, marking the successful conclusion of an initiative implemented under the CEI Know‑how Exchange Programme (KEP), with funding from Italy through the CEI Fund at the EBRD.
Led by the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS (Italy), the initiative was carried out in partnership with EMUNI University (Slovenia), the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries – IOR (Croatia), and three beneficiary institutions from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, the final event gathered representatives from the project partners, alongside local and regional stakeholders. The CEI - Executive Secretariat also participated in the gathering, reaffirming the Organisation’s commitment to supporting capacity‑building and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans.
Speaking on behalf of the CEI - Executive Secretariat, Elisabetta Dovier, Programme Manager, highlighted how the TRUE BLUE project was fully aligned with the CEI’s mission.
“The project it reflects several CEI priorities: science diplomacy, as a way to build trust and cooperation; good governance, through stronger public administrations; regional cooperation, by bringing together countries that face similar challenges; and alignment with EU strategies,” she said.
The TRUE BLUE project has strengthened the capacity of public administrations in the Western Balkans to address key sustainable blue economy challenges - ranging from marine spatial planning to coastal and maritime tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, and the greening of ports and shipping. Activities included a training‑of‑trainers programme, thematic workshops, and dedicated networking sessions involving government, academia, industry and civil society.
The initiative also built on the CEI’s long‑standing cooperation with the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS (Italy), while the involvement of the EMUNI University (Slovenia), the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries – IOR (Croatia), and the beneficiary institutions demonstrated how structured and balanced partnerships can generate mutual benefits and lasting impact across the region.
By establishing a “blue community” of public administration officials and creating tools for continued exchange, TRUE BLUE project leaves behind a sustainable platform for future cooperation. Its results are expected to support ongoing efforts in the Western Balkans to align with EU policies, strengthen regional dialogue and advance the transition towards a sustainable and equitable ocean economy.
For more info: dovier@cei.int
