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
CO-WATERS | More services open: First Working Group meeting, Training modules and Blue Climathons
CO-WATERS continues to roll out its service offer to the Coalition of cities, regions, islands and ports for the Mission Ocean and Waters. Three opportunities are currently open for members to get involved. Register now for the first meeting of the Working Group on Policy and Governance in Action, the next modules of the Capacity Building Programme and support to organise Blue Climathons.
- By Ana Nava
Ocean and Water R&I Strategy: Highlights from ERRIN's Blue Economy WG Meeting
Following ERRIN's joint input to the Water Resilience R&I Call for Evidence, members met with Wiebke Pankauke (DG RTD) for an update as the Commission moves towards adopting the combined Ocean and Water Research and Innovation Strategy (OWRIS). The Strategy aims to build a coordinated EU-level framework for R&I priorities and investment, including a shared long-term vision, and to better understand the landscape of public and private partners, regions included.
- 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 Ana Nava
ERRIN submits input to the Water Resilience R&I Strategy consultation
ERRIN has submitted a response to the EC's Call for Evidence on the Water Resilience Research and Innovation Strategy. The response focuses on the central role of local and regional authorities in achieving water resilience. This input will be presented at a members' meeting on Thursday 24 September at 14:00 CEST, at ERRIN's Brussels office. The session will include an exchange with a representative of the Mission Ocean and Waters Secretariat.
- 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 Ana Nava
CO-WATERS services available for Coalition Members
CO-WATERS has opened its first Coalition Member services: a Capacity Building Programme (Sept 2026–June 2027, starting with Systems Thinking Fundamentals) and the Working Groups for networking and peer-learning (Policy & Governance, Capacity Building, Stakeholder/Citizen Engagement, Mobilising Finance and Credibility & Recognition), launching after summer.