Introduction to the project
BlueActionBanos contributes to the EU’s ‘Restore our ocean and waters by 2030’ initiative and the European Green Deal by promoting biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction and sustainable transformation. The project’s main objective is to facilitate the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the Mission Ocean, scaling up solutions piloted in the Baltic and North Sea Lighthouse Area. BlueActionBanos provides financial assistance, technical guidance and strategic knowledge-sharing to help communities implement innovative actions and address complex environmental challenges, driving sustainable change at local, regional and national levels.
The project will run from 2025 to 2029.
Project in action
BlueActionBanos’ approach includes mobilising diverse communities to implement ocean restoration actions, providing them with targeted financial support, technical expertise and tools for sustainable transformation. The project will launch cascade funding calls open to local and regional stakeholders and communities in the Baltic and North Sea Lighthouse Area, to design transition agenda and implement community-led actions.
By scaling solutions from Phase 1, the project ensures that successful actions are deployed more widely across the Baltic and North Sea areas. BlueActionBanos facilitates knowledge-sharing among communities, supports the development of transition agendas and offers strategic guidance to help actors address environmental challenges. The outcomes include enhanced collaboration, increased capacity to implement restorative actions and measurable contributions to the EU's ocean restoration goals.
ERRIN’s role
ERRIN contributes to the coordination and management of BlueActionBanos, particularly through liaising with the EU Commission, Mission Secretariat and other relevant policy networks. ERRIN also supports the exchange of information and coordination with sister projects across lighthouse areas. Additionally, ERRIN is involved in preparing for open calls and supporting the design of technical assistance tools to help communities transition to sustainable practices.
Benefit for members and Links with ERRIN’s Working Groups and priorities
ERRIN has been actively involved in the development and implementation of the EU Missions over the past several years. The Blue Economy WG has led ERRIN’s efforts on the Mission restore our ocean and waters by 2030. BlueActionBanos project is fully integrated into the Mission lighthouse Baltic and North Sea basin to make the blue economy carbon-neutral. By providing financial support, technical guidance, and tools for local communities, BlueActionBanos will offer an opportunity for ERRIN to collaborate with its members to drive sustainable transformation in their regions and contribute to the EU’s ocean restoration goals.
Latest Updates
- By Astrid Hannes
BlueActionBanos one year in: local communities thriving the Mission Ocean and Waters in the Baltic and North Sea
On 1 October 2026, ERRIN joined the BlueActionBANOS partners for an important meeting in Berlin to take stock of the project's implementation, a few weeks ahead of the official announcement of the Transition Agenda and Community-led Action projects that will be receiving funding and technical assistance.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
The European Commission publishes the EU Missions mid-term assessment
On 14 September, the European Commission published its mid-term assessment of the EU Missions, highlighting progress across all five Missions and recognising the mission-oriented approach as an effective model for addressing complex societal challenges. For ERRIN, the assessment reinforces the case for maintaining and strengthening the Missions in the next EU long-term budget, while ensuring that the next phase is better equipped to translate research and innovation into deployment, scale-up and territorial impact.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
Discover ERRIN's autumn 2026 activities
ERRIN’s revised Annual Plans for 2026 are now available, outlining the upcoming activities, priorities and opportunities for engagement across ERRIN’s Working Groups for the remainder of the year. Each year, ERRIN’s member-led Working Groups develop Annual Plans that set out their strategic priorities, planned activities and key objectives. Shaped by members’ feedback and expertise, these plans ensure that ERRIN’s work remains closely connected to the needs and priorities of its regional and local innovation ecosystems.
- By Astrid Hannes
Commission presents first-ever EU strategies for islands and coastal communities
The European Commission presents the first-ever EU strategies for islands and coastal communities, to promote connectivity, competitiveness and innovation, energy security, climate resilience as well as security and crisis preparedness of over inhabited 4000 islands in Europe. It marks a significant step toward a cohesive, tailored approach to unlock the long-term potential of these vital territories, being to home to 17 million people.
- By Silvia Ghiretti
ERRIN paper highlights the strategic role of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next EU long-term budget
ERRIN has published a new paper on the future of EU Missions and mission-oriented approach in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, complementing its proposed amendments to FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. Drawing on regional and local examples, the paper highlights the tangible impacts of Missions in addressing societal challenges and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
- By Astrid Hannes
Call for marine, coastal and environmental experts to join the BlueActionBANOS expert pool
BlueActionBANOS, one of ERRIN's projects, has launched a call for expression of interest for experienced professionals with expertise in the field of marine, coastal and environmental expertise to restore our ocean, seas and waters across the Baltic and North Sea region. Interested experts are invited to apply by 11 April.