The Marine Institute in Galway today welcomed a delegation of nine ambassadors from EU countries for an official visit aimed at strengthening ties.
The EU Med Group (Med 9) visit underscored the strong collaborative ties between Ireland and Mediterranean nations in advancing marine science, sustainability, and the blue economy.
The Med 9 is an informal alliance of nine Mediterranean countries within the European Union: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia, and Croatia.
The group focuses on shared regional interests, including climate change, economic and energy cooperation, and security in the Mediterranean region.
Their visit to the Marine Institute reflects a commitment to strengthening international cooperation in marine research and innovation.
The delegation included:
- French Science and Education Attaché: Ms. Delphine Tessier
- Italian Ambassador to Ireland: HE Nicola Faganello
- Spanish Ambassador to Ireland: HE Ion de la Riva Guzman de Fruits
- Portuguese Deputy Head of Mission to Ireland: Mr. Henrique Souza de Azevedo
- Greek Ambassador to Ireland: HE Georgios Stilianopoulos
- Cypriot Ambassador to Ireland: HE Mr. Louis Telemachou
- Slovenian Ambassador to Ireland: HE Stanislav Vidovič
- Croatian Ambassador to Ireland: HE Davor Vidiš
Advancing Marine Research and Sustainability
Welcoming the visit, Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, stated, “Ireland and the Med 9 nations share a deep connection with the ocean, and this visit highlights our mutual commitment to protecting marine ecosystems, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable development across multiple blue economy sectors.”
“Through collaborative research and shared expertise, we can address ocean sustainability on a broader European scale and tackle the global challenges facing our seas.”
While the Mediterranean and Atlantic are distinct marine basins, they share common challenges and opportunities in areas such as climate change adaptation, sustainable fisheries, and marine biodiversity conservation.
Ireland and the Med 9 nations have a long-standing commitment to marine research and development, already collaborating on hundreds of marine and maritime projects.
These include projects advanced through Horizon Europe and networks such as the Joint Programming Initiative for Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans), the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, and the European Marine Board.
These research collaborations span biodiversity, marine ecosystem services, marine pollution, circular economy, blue carbon, coastal resilience, citizen engagement projects, maritime navigation, and critical cooperation on marine research infrastructure projects.
The upcoming Ocean Pact presents a further opportunity to develop a European Research and Innovation strategy underpinned by investment at national and European levels.
Showcasing Ireland’s Marine Leadership
During their visit, the ambassadors were introduced to the Marine Institute’s leading role in marine science, its cutting-edge infrastructures, and state-of-the-art research vessels, the RV Celtic Explorer and RV Tom Crean.
Discussions focused on key collaborative initiatives between Ireland and the Med 9 nations, particularly the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership and the AQUARIUS Project within the Mediterranean Sea Lighthouse Region.
Dr Officer added, “Today’s visit allows us to reflect on the progress and impacts of our collaborative projects to date and explore new areas for further cooperation.”
“The Mediterranean and Atlantic are part of one interconnected global ocean system, and international collaboration is essential to ensure the health and sustainability of our shared marine environment.”
“The Marine Institute looks forward to strengthening its partnerships with the Med 9 countries further and continuing to contribute to international marine research and sustainable blue economy initiatives.”
