Discover the key insights from the 2nd BlueMissionMed Cross-Fertilization Webinar: Bridging the Mediterranean and Black Sea!

On 19 September 2025, the 2nd BlueMissionMed Cross-Fertilization Webinar – “Bridging the Mediterranean and Black Sea: Cross-Basin Learning for Water Solutions” brought together over 75 participants from across Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. Moderated by Mustafa Yucel (METU IMS), the event served as a vibrant forum to exchange knowledge, strengthen synergies, and accelerate progress under the EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters”.

The opening session set the tone with interventions from Loïc Blanchard (EU DG RTD), who outlined the Mission’s lighthouse approach, and Fedra Francocci (CNR, BlueMissionMed Coordinator), who presented the actions, solutions and impacts of the Mediterranean Lighthouse supporting BlueMissionMed. Patrizia Busolini (UNEP MAP) emphasised the alignment of the Mediterranean Action Plan with EU Mission goals, while Verena Höhn (Steinbeis Europa Zentrum, EcoDalli Coordinator) showcased cross-basin solutions from the Danube and Black Sea Lighthouse area. Iryna Makarenko (Black Sea Commission) detailed regional pollution prevention programmes.

The second session spotlighted transformative solutions and scientific innovation. From the Mediterranean side, Sana Ben Ismail (INSTM) shared lessons from COMMON, CLAIM, and Plastic Busters CAP, projects tackling marine litter through monitoring, awareness, and policy action. From the Black Sea, Kostas Tsiaras (HCMR, BRIDGE Black Sea) introduced novel modeling simulations to track pollution across the basin, while Luminita Lazar (NIMRD, ANEMONE Plus) assessed the vulnerability of Black Sea coasts and the downstream impacts of the Danube. Their contributions underscored the diversity of approaches and how shared learning can enhance regional resilience.

In the interactive workshop, co-facilitated by Susanna Albertini (FVA) and Ezgi Sahin Yücel (METU IMS), participants used a collaborative Miró board to reflect on four key themes. They explored how the Mission’s objectives could be broadened to include all Mediterranean and Black Sea countries, discussed regional challenges, existing solutions, and the types of support needed to scale them up, and proposed activities for future collaboration to connect both basins more effectively. Finally, participants highlighted opportunities for synergies in areas such as policy alignment, joint research, funding, and citizen engagement.

Closing the event, Mustafa Yucel stressed that science alone cannot achieve restoration goals: effective cooperation with policy-makers, regional institutions, and citizens is essential. He underlined the urgency of reducing pollution pressures, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring that cross-basin learning translates into actionable pathways. His remarks highlighted that the Mission’s success depends on a shared commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and joint action across both seas.

With its strong participation and rich discussions, the webinar confirmed BlueMissionMed’s role as a driver of collaboration and innovation, strengthening the bridge between the Mediterranean and Black Sea and paving the way for a sustainable blue economy that benefits ecosystems and communities alike.

The recording is available on the BlueMissionMed YouTube channel.