The European Union is in the process of shaping a European Industrial Maritime Strategy that seeks to boost the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Europe’s maritime manufacturing sector and its value chain, including shipping. This vital industry is currently navigating a range of pressing challenges — from the urgent need for decarbonisation and the green transition, to issues of industrial competitiveness, strategic dependencies, investment shortfalls, digital transformation gaps, and a growing skills shortage across the value chain. To develop a robust and future-oriented strategy, the European Commission is actively engaging with industry stakeholders through targeted consultations aimed at gathering insights, suggestions, and concrete proposals. 

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, organised the EU Clusters Talk "Sailing Ahead: Towards an EU Industrial Maritime Strategy" on 4 June, 8:30 – 9:45 CET to provide a comprehensive overview of the European maritime industrial ecosys-tem, look at the key challenges and emerging opportunities, and introduce the upcoming stakeholder consultation process. It was an important opportunity for cluster organisations, industry leaders, and policymakers to contribute to the shaping of a strategic vision for Europe’s maritime future. 

Speakers included:

• Dario Bazargan, Policy Officer, DG GROW, European Commission
• Leo Budicin, Project Adviser, VDMA AMT – Platform for Advanced Maritime Technology 
• Lothar Hartmann, Business Adviser, Enterprise Europe Network, TUTECH INNOVATION
• Mónica Quesada, Maritime Cluster of the Canary Islands

Watch the session recording