Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of Blue Growth Working Group.
Blue Economy
The Working Group focuses on the blue economy, covering research, innovation and policy initiatives in marine, maritime and water systems with the intention to support members´ activities within these fields. Sustainability, economic development, climate adaptation and digital challenges related to the ocean, seas and water sectors are key issues for the Working Group. The group aims to foster participation in European funding programmes and initiatives and to build partnerships between members.
ERRIN Contact
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Mission Soil: lessons learned and upcoming opportunities
ERRIN Bioeconomy WG is organising an in-person meeting on 10 June 2024 from 15:00 to 17:00 to take stock of the latest developments on the Soil Mission. This meeting aims to facilitate an in-
Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027
The topic of widening gathers high attention in the discussions around the next European Framework Programme for R&I, raising questions with the potential to influence not only the Widening sub-
Policy WG meeting: Role of EU Missions in FP10
ERRIN has been closely involved in the design and implementation of the EU Missions since their inception. Missions remain one of the network's priorities and were one of the four main areas of focus
WG Related Events
Network of European Regions Using Space - General Assembly 2024
Invitation to the General Assembly of the Network Nereus - Network of European Regions Using Space. This year’s General Assembly will be built around two-panel debates focused on "Beyond the Horizon: "Attracting investments, businesses and smart brains in the light of the current framework for cohesion and structural policy 2021-2027” The event will take place in Brussels on 11 June, 11:00-17:30.
Mission Soil: lessons learned and upcoming opportunities
ERRIN Bioeconomy WG is organising an in-person meeting on 10 June 2024 from 15:00 to 17:00 to take stock of the latest developments on the Soil Mission. This meeting will facilitate an in-depth exchange among members about the EU Soil Mission, focusing on lessons learned and opportunities for member involvement. Please check the final agenda. Participants are invited to join the networking drinks after the meeting.
An ambitious EU Chemicals Strategy and a broad PFAS restriction - a prerequisite for urban water resilience
Gothenburg European Office, EurEau and Svenskt Vatten invite you to their EU Green Week Partner Event: An ambitious EU Chemicals Strategy and a broad PFAS restriction – a requisite for urban water resilience, discussing which key actions we see as necessary for tackling PFAS pollution in our water bodies. The event will take place in Brussels, on 04 June, 14:00-16:15 CEST.
HOOP Policy Conference: What barriers and drivers for the transition to local circular bioeconomy systems?
The HOOP Policy Conference, taking place on 4-5 June at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels, will discuss the barriers and drivers for the transition to local circular bioeconomy systems. This conference will bring cities and regions together to discuss and learn about implementing innovative circular bioeconomy solutions. A dedicated policy session will allow cities to voice their concerns and challenges to EU institutions and federations. Registration is open until 24 May.
Bio2REG workshop: 'How to successfully fund bioeconomy transition transition'
BIO2REG is organising its expert workshop focussing on how to fund the transition to a bioeconomy model in regions. This workshop will take place online on 4 June 2024 from 13:00 to 16:00 CEST.
Innovative & Resilient Water Basin Management for Cities & Regions
This EU Green Week event will allow participants to learn directly from the rapporteur’s expert on the Committee of the Regions' water resilience opinion. This will be followed by water resilience case studies featuring technology and nature-based solutions from across Europe. The event will take place in Brussels on 31 May, 09:30-12:00.
WG Documents
ERRIN Year in review 2022
The ERRIN Year in review 2022 is out! Read the report to see the numerous activities ERRIN and its members have been involved in throughout the year.
ERRIN input to the Ocean and Waters Mission Implementation Charter
The Blue Economy Working Group has prepared an input to the Ocean and Waters Mission Implementation Charter, which has been submitted to the Mission Secretariat.
ERRIN input paper on a future EU Algae Strategy
ERRIN's input paper on a potential EU Algae Strategy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of such a strategy at a regional and local level.
ERRIN input to the future EU Algae Strategy - Draft
A drafting group has prepared a first version of the ERRIN input to the future EU Algae Strategy.
Blue Bioeconomy Forum - Roadmap for the blue bioeconomy
The Blue Bioeconomy Forum was set up in 2018 as a platform for entrepreneurs, researchers, government officials and other stakeholder to further develop the blue bioeconomy.
WG Related Content
Regional Innovation Valleys: interest so far & matchmaking map
On 6 September, the European Commission published a matchmaking map showcasing European regions that have so far expressed their interest to become a Regional Innovation Valley (RIV) by applying to the call for Expression of Interest launched in March 2023. The call for EoI is still open for new submissions until 18 September 2023.
ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting on 16 November 2023 – important announcement for members
All ERRIN members are invited to save the date for the ERRIN Extraordinary General Meeting, which will take place on 16 November 2023 in the ERRIN premises. The meeting is organised to make the necessary changes to the ERRIN Articles of Association and a minimum of 2/3 of the ERRIN members must be represented. Therefore, the engagement of each member is of key importance (participation is possible online for associate members).
ERRIN focus group meeting on the Ocean and Waters Mission Charter
In May, ERRIN organised a focus group meeting with regions to discuss the Charter of the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2023 (Ocean and Waters Mission). The meeting was organised with the Mission Ocean Implementation Support Platform, in which ERRIN is a partner. Benefits and concerns around the Mission Charter, as well as how the support services proposed by the Charter can be improved to better support the needs of regions were discussed.
EU Missions: The European Commission publishes its first mid-term review
On 19 July, the European Commission (EC) published a Communication on the assessment of the EU Missions after two years of implementation. The EC details the Missions' successes but also recognises the need to address challenges related to governance, budget, citizens and private sector engagement. The EC also proposes to add a sixth Mission on the New European Bauhaus.
ERRIN Spring AGM 2023 – taking stock of the EU Missions
ERRIN’s Spring Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 took place on 22 June this year. As always, it brought together the large and dynamic community of member regions and cities. Following the format part with the update from the network, the main focus was the EU Missions, approached in two policy debates, on the support and implementation frameworks in Adaptation, Ocean and Waters and Soil Missions, and the governance innovation and the perspective on Cities and the Cancer Missions.
Horizon Europe Cluster 6 - Info Day
The Horizon Europe Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural resources, Agriculture and Environment) Info days about the Work Programme 2024 will be taking place on 27 - 28 September 2023. The aim of this hybrid event is to promote funding opportunities and explain the call topics under the 2024 Work programme. A physical brokerage event will be organised on 26 September 2023 in the Charlemagne building of the European Commission.
Latest Updates
- By Ewa Chomicz
ERRIN two-page input on FP10 for the attention of the Expert Group
As the work towards the next EU Framework Programme for R&I (FP10) continues, ERRIN is pleased to share its two-page input for the attention of the Expert Group on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe. The document is a concise compilation of the reflections on FP10 done at ERRIN so far, highlighting topics of key importance. Work on a series of broader input papers is underway.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
Call for regional examples on soil health - Bioeconomy WG meeting
The Bioeconomy Working Group is looking for regional examples related to soil health and protection to present in its upcoming meeting, which will take place in person on 10 June at the ERRIN office in Brussels. The presentation can also be done online to support actors from back home in getting engaged in the discussion.
- By Astrid Hannes
Extended deadline: Call for Circular Economy Experts providing personalised support for cities and regions
To better support the implementation of circular systemic solutions at the local and regional levels, the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative just launched a call for external experts who can offer personalised support to cities and regions. Experts should have at least five years of experience in the fields of stakeholder and citizen engagement, innovation and technology, business models and financial support, public procurement, or impact evaluation and can express their interest until 14 June 2024.
- By Teresa Vio
ERRIN is looking for a Head of projects - Extended Deadline
In view of the upcoming departure of ERRIN's current Director of projects, Ryan Titley, ERRIN is looking for a replacement to start in September 2024. The new colleague will work closely with the ERRIN Director on strategic planning, and lead the implementation and development of ERRIN's current and future project portfolio. Extended deadline: Applications are open until 26 May at 17.00 CEST.
- By Gaia Ialisa Marotta
Empowering Innovation: Overview of Public Engagement in Research & Innovation
DG RTD has recently released a thematic report titled "Overview of Public Engagement in Research & Innovation", which provides an introductory overview of Public Engagement in Research and Innovation in Europe. The document aims to inspire and help public actors and policymakers to promote and support public engagement.
- By Astrid Hannes
CircularInvest call for project promotors aiming to increase the investment readiness of their local and regional circular economy projects
CircularInvest helps cities and regions implement circular strategies by removing obstacles and closing the gap between circular economy project promoters and investors. A new CircularInvest call has been launched for project promotors who want to increase the investment readiness level of their local and regional circular economy projects. The deadline for applications is 13 September 2024.