The Black Sea Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) Stakeholder Conference was held in Burgas, Bulgaria, on 30 September 2026. Organised under the theme “From Knowledge to Action for a Thriving Black Sea,” the conference addressed regional cooperation, the blue economy, environmental resilience and innovative solutions.

Parallel workshops held as part of the conference focused on digital twin technologies, data platforms, the blue transition of coastal communities, and solution-oriented approaches to the environmental pressures facing the Black Sea.

In the parallel session entitled “Waves of Change: The Blue Transition of Coastal Communities”, attended by our Directorate, cross-border cooperation activities carried out under the Interreg IPA Bulgaria–Türkiye, Interreg NEXT Mediterranean Sea Basin and Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programmes were presented, together with project examples aligned with the theme of the blue transition of coastal communities. In this context, initiatives and projects aimed at protecting healthy marine and coastal ecosystems, supporting an innovative and competitive blue economy, and promoting investment in the blue economy were discussed.Event continued with discussions focused on science, ecosystem-based management and community engagement for a healthy and resilient Black Sea, as well as innovation, ports and investment in the sustainable blue economy.

Throughout the event, the Black Sea Solutions & Knowledge Corner provided a networking space where projects and organisations showcased innovative solutions, project results and funding opportunities. The conference concluded with the Black Sea Project Awards and a closing session.