SEArica Vice-Chair for SMEs and Digitalisation, MEP Josianne Cutajar warmly invites you to the SEArica event on opportunities and challenges for blue SMEs and maritime regions taking place at the European Parliament in Brussels and online on Wednesday 25 January 2023 from 09:30 to 11:30.
Blue SMEs, active in sectors such as marine renewable energy, shipping, fisheries and aquaculture, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology, are vital to the long-term success of the blue economy and the sustainable development of maritime regions.
However, many businesses in these sectors are facing barriers to growth and are currently under great pressure because of the reduced energy supply and price increase caused by the present geopolitical situation. In addition, they are expected to keep pace with the green and digital transition and adapt their business models to new needs and requirements.
While the existence of funding schemes supporting blue SMEs and start-ups at EU, national and regional levels is very positive and signals the importance of the SME ecosystem for Europe’s economy, the fragmentation and complexity of the funds lead to difficulties in their access. In this context, it is important to provide concrete answers on how blue SMEs can overcome barriers and make use of digitalisation and greening opportunities.
This event, hosted by MEP Cutajar, SEArica Vice-Chair for SMEs and Digitalisation, will be an occasion to showcase the digitalisation challenges faced by blue SMEs and engage in a discussion on the available opportunities and ways to unlock their potential and fully support their development.
 Please find attached the draft Agenda.
 The event is organised in the framework of the Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas (SEArica) Intergroup of the European Parliament, together with the support of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions.Â
More information about the event:Â HERE
Registrations:Â CLICK HERE