Introduction to the project
CO-WATERS makes a bridge between the first and second implementation phases of the EU Mission Ocean and Waters by creating a Coalition of waterfront cities, regions, islands and ports.
The project offers networking, knowledge exchange and tailored support services to help the Coalition members engage citizens, access funding and align with Mission goals throughout their transition journeys.
Besides, and in collaboration with the European Commission, CO-WATERS will develop and pilot a Mission Label to recognise local efforts.
The project builds on existing EU and international initiatives, ensuring coherence and amplifying local actions contributing to restoring ocean and waters by 2030.
The project will run from 2025 to 2029.
Project in action
CO-WATERS will map and engage relevant stakeholders to build a vibrant Coalition and provide structured support to members.
Through a step-by-step process, the project will deliver sequenced services, including capacity-building, stakeholder engagement and financing guidance, helping local and regional stakeholders implement Mission Ocean and Waters objectives. In parallel, it will co-develop and pilot a labelling system to recognise progress and commitment.
The approach ensures local alignment with EU priorities, promotes systematic action and enhances long-term sustainability by strengthening governance structures and securing financing pathways.
ERRIN's role
ERRIN leads the preparatory work for building a Coalition of waterfront cities, regions and islands. It includes stakeholder mapping and outreach to diverse actors from related EU Missions and initiatives. ERRIN also supports the development of the coalition’s governance and ensures the continuous engagement of members.
It contributes to work on governance policy recommendations, communication and the long-term sustainability of Coalition and Label.
ERRIN plays a key role in ensuring coherence across EU Missions and supporting the active participation of cities and regions throughout the project.
Benefit for members and Links with ERRIN Working Groups and priorities
The CO-WATERS project aligns closely with ERRIN’s Blue Economy Working Group and with ERRIN’s commitment to the Mission Ocean and Waters. CO-WATERS will enable ERRIN to support its members in their local journeys to reach the Mission Ocean and Waters objectives.
Through this new project, ERRIN will continue its efforts to support better policy coordination across governance levels, as well as build stronger regional R&I ecosystems by enhancing collaboration among local stakeholders and interregional peer learning. This new project will connect ERRIN, and its members, to 17 project partners across 9 countries, seeking new alliances for advocating for the place-based perspective in research and innovation.
Latest Updates
- By Ana Nava
Blue Economy: Upcoming opportunities for ERRIN Members
The EU Blue Economy agenda is entering a decisive phase, with new funding opportunities and key policy initiatives under Mission Ocean & Waters. This summary highlights the most relevant upcoming activities and engagement opportunities for ERRIN members in the months ahead. We invite regional stakeholders to read on and explore how to engage strategically in this rich agenda.
- By Ana Nava
European Ocean Days: Collaboration for acting on Ocean and Waters
The EU Ocean Days 2026 will bring Europe’s blue community together at a key moment for ocean and water policy. Across a week of high-level consultations, fora and dialogues, stakeholders will be able to actively shape EU strategies focused on water resilience, ocean R&I or coastal communities. For ERRIN members, the event offers concrete opportunities to influence EU agendas, connect with key actors across the blue economy and strengthen the regional voice within the Mission Ocean and Waters.
- By Ana Nava
First stakeholder consultation on the European ocean research & innovation strategy
The European Commission has launched the consultation process for the EU Ocean R&I Strategy, a key step for shaping Europe’s future approach to ocean science, research, governance and technological development.
- By Zoé Thomazeau
New cascade funding opportunities for local actions under the Mission Ocean and Waters
The EU Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030' is entering a decisive new chapter. After several years focused on research, pilots and governance building, the Mission is now shifting toward scaling up solutions across Europe’s seas and river basins. The new basin projects have now launched new cascade funding calls, allowing small actors to access EU Mission support without a heavy administrative burden.
- By Ana Nava
CO-WATERS takes off: consortium meets in Rimini and upcoming needs assessment workshop
The CO-WATERS consortium held its first in-person meeting in Rimini in November, bringing together all partners and pilot territories to review early progress and define priorities for supporting Europe’s waterfront cities, regions and islands in their blue transition. Stakeholders are now invited to join an online workshop on 3 December 2025 to help identify needs, discuss challenges and shape the forthcoming CO-WATERS support offer and label.
- By Maria Bostrom
ERRIN contributes to the assessment on citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in the EU Missions
On 24 October, ERRIN submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the assessment of citizens and stakeholders’ engagement in the EU Missions. The consultation, led by the EFIS Centre in partnership with Technopolis Group on behalf of DG RTD (European Commission), aimed to gather feedback from key stakeholders across Europe to inform the 2026 Assessment of EU Missions.