A significant step towards strengthening cooperation between Türkiye and European countries in the fields of maritime policies and the sustainable Blue Economy was taken in Strasbourg. The consortium foundation meeting of the “Exploring the Blue Economy for Youth Workers” project, coordinated by the Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM) and funded by the European Union, has begun.

Aiming to produce concrete outputs in line with the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the meeting brought together DEHUKAM representatives, as well as academics, experts, and youth workers from partner institutions in Italy, France, Slovenia, and Spain.

Delivering the opening speech of the meeting, Mr. Süleyman Önel, Chair of the Board of Directors of DEHUKAM, emphasized that this established international consortium constitutes a historic step for the future of our seas and the development of sustainable policies. In the first session held after the opening and moderated by the Board Members of DEHUKAM Prof. Dr. Hasan Ayrancı, CEO of DEHUKAM Dr. Mustafa Başkara took the floor and addressed the participants regarding the strategic importance of the project and the long-term goals of the consortium.
Within the scope of the program, which will continue between March 23-27, 2026; funding sources will be examined to determine the “Consortium Roadmap” for the 2026-2027 period, and technical visits will be conducted to the European Court of Human Rights, and the Council of Europe.

At the end of the intensive five-day program, the CONSMAR Agreement, which will formalize long term cooperation among the participating countries, will be signed, and a comprehensive Policy Recommendation Report will be created to be presented to decision-makers.