BLUEDIAL CONNECT 2026: From Dialogue to Action for a Sustainable Blue Economy

Marine Cluster Bulgaria brings together maritime businesses, public institutions and key stakeholders in Varna to discuss shared priorities, good practices and opportunities for cooperation in the development of the Blue Economy.

On 22 October 2026, starting at 14:00, at Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel in Varna, Bulgaria, BLUEDIAL CONNECT 2026: “From Dialogue to Action – A Shared Vision and Coordinated Approach for a Sustainable Blue Economy” will bring together representatives of the maritime community to exchange perspectives and explore opportunities for stronger cooperation.

The event is organised by Marine Cluster Bulgaria, in partnership with the Bulgarian Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (BASBA), with the participation of the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company and the Bulgarian Yachting Association (BYA).

The initiative takes place within the framework of BlueDial – Empowering a Blue Economy Public Dialogue for Coordinated and Inclusive Policy Actions (BSB01288), a project co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027.

From International Experience to Regional Priorities

The sustainable development of the Blue Economy requires more than technological innovation and investment. It also depends on effective cooperation between public authorities, maritime businesses, research institutions and civil society.

Against this background, BLUEDIAL CONNECT 2026 aims to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement and discussions on more coordinated approaches to Blue Economy governance.

The first part of the programme will focus on strategic approaches and good practices in Blue Economy governance from other sea basins, exploring their relevance and potential adaptation to the national and regional context of the Black Sea.

Particular attention will be given to an interactive stakeholder discussion, providing participants with the opportunity to share their priorities, challenges and recommendations for the future development of the sector.

The objective is to encourage broader participation in strategic dialogue and identify opportunities for coordinated action among stakeholders.

Addressing the Evolving Needs of the Maritime Industry

The second part of the event will focus on practical developments directly affecting the competitiveness and future of Bulgaria's maritime industry.

Key topics will include:

• Current trends in shipbroking and ship agency services, including market developments, challenges and future prospects.

• Port digitalisation and the Port Community System, with particular attention to changes scheduled from 1 January 2027 and their implications for documentation processes in maritime transport and logistics.

• Emerging skills and professions in the Blue Economy, addressing workforce needs, vocational training and the development of competencies required by an evolving maritime industry.

By bringing these topics into the discussion, the event aims to connect strategic Blue Economy governance with the practical needs of maritime businesses and industry stakeholders.

BlueDial: Strengthening Dialogue and Cross-Border Cooperation in the Black Sea Region

BLUEDIAL CONNECT 2026 forms part of the activities implemented under the international BlueDial project, which seeks to promote inclusive public dialogue, strengthen institutional capacities and improve coordination in the development of sustainable Blue Economy policies.

Bringing together partners from Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye and Georgia, the project supports the establishment of BlackBlueNET, a cross-border network designed to facilitate stakeholder cooperation, knowledge exchange and coordinated policy approaches across the Black Sea region.

The initiative also contributes to advancing the priorities of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea, encouraging stronger alignment between national and regional approaches to sustainable maritime development.

Through BLUEDIAL CONNECT 2026, Marine Cluster Bulgaria aims to engage the national maritime community in this wider regional dialogue and gather perspectives that can inform future project activities and policy recommendations.

Turning Dialogue into Partnerships

The event will conclude with an informal networking reception, offering participants the opportunity to exchange contacts, explore shared interests and identify possibilities for future collaboration.

BLUEDIAL CONNECT 2026 invites maritime businesses, public authorities, academic and research institutions, civil society organisations and other interested stakeholders to contribute their perspectives and take part in shaping a more coordinated and sustainable future for the Blue Economy.

Date: 22 October 2026
Time: 14:00
Venue: Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel, Varna, Bulgaria
Participation: Free of charge, with prior registration
Registration deadline: 19 October 2026

Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NifaGrHXtydJqoLjRnK7CuB-e8GOfV8Bf_hjVhbBCE4/edit

About the BlueDial Project

BlueDial – Empowering a Blue Economy Public Dialogue for Coordinated and Inclusive Policy Actions (BSB01288) is implemented from 27 February 2026 to 26 August 2027 under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, co-funded by the European Union.

The project is led by Ortahisar Municipality (Türkiye), in partnership with Marine Cluster Bulgaria (Bulgaria), Ecological NGO Mare Nostrum (Romania) and the Tourism Institute (Georgia).

More information: https://www.blackbluenet.org/

The BlueDial project (BSB01288) is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027.

The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Marine Cluster Bulgaria and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Programme authorities.