Blue Growth – Opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth, by Christos Polyzogopoulos

Blue Growth is the contribution of the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy to achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Marine and maritime economy sectors provide jobs for 5.4 million people and contribute a total gross value added of around EUR 500 billion. By 2020, these should increase to 7 million jobs and nearly EUR 600 billion respectively. Coastal and maritime tourism is the biggest maritime sector.

There are five specific areas where targeted action could provide an additional stimulus to growth: i) maritime, coastal and cruise tourism, ii) Blue energy, iii) marine mineral resources, iv) aquaculture and v) blue biotechnology.

The EESC underlines the central importance of research and innovation in establishing a strong competitive position for Europe, especially in new emerging sectors, with the emphasis on basic and advanced research focused on leading-edge applications and optimum methods so as to support cooperation between industry and academia.

Due to the many different types of stress already being placed on the EU's coasts and seas, it must be ensured that a balance is maintained between economic objectives and the principles of sustainable development.