Women of the Ocean: those shaping the blue economy
Across Europe, women are actively contributing to the blue economy through diverse and inspiring journeys. Researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, or local changemakers, they play a key role in protecting the oceans and developing coastal areas.
The Women Ocean Champions project highlights 100 testimonials from women engaged in different sectors of the blue economy in Europe. Through profiles, interviews, and personal stories, WIN-BIG showcases the diversity of their journeys, the obstacles they have overcome, and the pivotal moments along the way. Whether they come from science, fishing, or innovation, they all share the same determination, a strong curiosity, and a deep connection to the ocean.
Blue Economy in Europe: 2025 Overview
The eighth edition of the European Union Blue Economy Report provides a clear and up-to-date overview of ocean and sea-related sectors within the EU.
This report highlights the growing importance of the blue economy for Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.
It provides detailed economic analyses of opportunities related to the energy and digital transition, while offering recommendations to encourage investment and the sustainable development of coastal and marine resources.
Policymakers and industry stakeholders will find key information to support growth and innovation in these markets.
To learn more, you can consult the full article below.
Growth and Adaptability: The Keys to Success in 2026
The 2026 edition highlights a paradox for businesses: despite an uncertain economic climate, real growth opportunities are emerging for those that know how to innovate and adapt quickly.
The C-Level Barometer is a global survey conducted among more than 3,000 executives from organizations in approximately 40 countries, aiming to:
– analyze companies’ growth and performance prospects;
– identify the main external and internal challenges they face;
– understand the priority strategic levers (technology, investments, business models) that leaders consider essential for the future.
The most successful organizations are those that anticipate change: they adopt new technologies, invest in their teams, and reinvent their models to remain competitive. Today, success is no longer limited to a clear strategy: it is the combination of adaptability, speed of execution, and ambition that determines performance in a constantly evolving environment.
To understand all dimensions of the sector and its opportunities, read the full article.
VSEs-SMEs: The investment rebound is confirmed
Despite a complex economic climate, business leaders are regaining their momentum. The new Bpifrance Le Lab / Rexecode barometer reveals an increase in investment intentions and a slight improvement in the cash flow outlook for 2026.
VSEs-SMEs: The investment rebound is confirmed!
The results of the new Bpifrance Le Lab / Rexecode barometer are out. Despite a complex economic context, optimism is returning among business leaders:
- Investment: 45% of VSEs/SMEs plan to invest this year (up 6 points).
- Cash Flow: An improvement in the outlook for the coming months.
- Focus: An insightful assessment of the end of state-guaranteed loans (PGE) and the impact of political uncertainty.
Discover all the analyses and key figures in the full reports.
RISK ANALYSIS AND FORECASTS FOR 160 COUNTRIES AND 13 SECTORS
This guide provides a wealth of information on global economic, political, and sectoral risks for 2026.
It offers a detailed overview of over 160 countries and 13 key sectors, cross-referencing macroeconomic dynamics, financial stability, business climate, and political risks specific to each region. Each analysis provides precise benchmarks and essential data to better understand markets, anticipate developments, and make informed international decisions.
In a context marked by increased geopolitical tensions, moderate global growth, international trade under pressure but resilient, and a rise in corporate insolvencies, having a structured and reliable vision is no longer an asset—it’s a necessity.
This guide gives you the keys to:
• Anticipate risks before they impact your activity
• Identify the most promising markets
• Secure your investments and business relationships
• Arbitrate your decisions with a global and comparative vision
Who is this guide for?
• Business leaders
• Risk managers and international executives of banks, multilateral financial institutions, as well as insurance and reinsurance companies
• Public administration officials
• Specialized consultants and lawyers
• Researchers and academics
An essential decision-making tool for leaders (VSEs, SMEs, startups, and large corporations) to manage your strategy in 2026 with clarity and confidence.
The launch of the MUTUALMAR project
The MUTUALMAR project marks a decisive step for the French fish wholesaling sector, offering a new pooled risk management system designed to strengthen the economic resilience of a sector severely weakened by a succession of crises.
The MUTUALMAR project, initiated by the Union du Mareyage Français (UMF), aims to create a pooled risk management system to support fish wholesaling companies, severely weakened by a succession of recent crises (Brexit, health and energy crises, closure of the Bay of Biscay) and by more structural environmental and geopolitical uncertainties. Funded by the EMFAF, the project plans to establish an adjustment reserve that can be mobilized quickly to help companies face market uncertainties.
Developed in close collaboration with sector stakeholders and public authorities, MUTUALMAR is part of the 2025 Strategic Sector Contract and is expected to result, within 18 months, in an operational risk pooling fund, marking a key step in strengthening the resilience and future of French fish wholesaling.
Assessment of the energy transition of French fishing and aquaculture fleets
The energy transition of fishing and aquaculture fleets is now a major challenge for the future of our maritime activities. At the 2025 Maritime Economy Conference, the DGAMPA presented the very first assessment of the energy transition of fishing and aquaculture fleets, a reference document that summarizes several months of work and collaboration between its various departments.
This report provides a comprehensive and structured overview of the challenges facing the sector, the solutions already implemented, and the prospects for accelerating the decarbonization of a sector essential to French food sovereignty and the vitality of our coastal regions. It highlights the strong commitment of professionals, the scale of the necessary transformations, and the levers to be mobilized to build an ambitious roadmap, in line with the Strategic Contract for the French fishing industry signed in 2025.
Produced with the support of specialized partners such as MEET2050 and CT Engineering, this assessment is a key step in supporting the sector toward a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient model.
Predation in Shellfish Farming in France
Aquaculture, and particularly shellfish farming, plays a vital role in the French maritime economy. However, this sector faces a major challenge: predation, which weakens farms and impacts the profitability of operations. In a context where production shows contrasting trends, understanding the impact of this natural pressure is crucial to ensure the sector’s sustainability. In this fact sheet, you will discover the challenges related to predation and possible solutions to address them.
Aquaculture plays an essential role in the French maritime economy, with shellfish farming representing one of its most active sectors. Although indispensable for both food supply and the economic vitality of coastal areas, the industry faces several challenges that hinder its development. Among these, predation remains one of the most concerning: an ancient but increasingly pronounced phenomenon that affects a large number of farms and endangers their financial stability.
In a context where production shows contrasting trends, it is crucial to assess the effects of these natural pressures to ensure the sustainability of shellfish farming in France.
With a view to anticipating and supporting your innovation efforts, we have produced a summary of the main topics identified in upcoming European calls for projects.
This document is designed to help you get a head start in your thinking, identify relevant opportunities for your organization, and best prepare your future applications.
Our goal: to provide you with a clear view of emerging themes, to make it easier to position yourself, guide your project strategy, and optimize your chances of success when submitting your proposals.
If you need to discuss anything or would like support, you can contact our Europe project officer, who will be happy to guide you.
