Ireland, and the City of Cork particularly, has been selected to host the 2025 European Maritime Day – the EU’s flagship annual maritime event.
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, made the announcement today, saying that it was fitting that the event would take place in Cork which has a long maritime history.
Established in 2008, European Maritime Day (EMD) acts as the EU meeting point on maritime affairs and sustainable blue growth, and the place where 'Ocean Leaders Meet'. It is also a public event reaching out to young people and citizens across Europe through local events under the 'EMD in my Country' label.
At the core of European Maritime Day is a two-day conference, which is expected to be attended by more than 1,000 delegates. High-level plenary sessions, including inspirational speakers, leadership exchanges and stakeholder workshops, will attract experts and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond.
Minister Ryan welcomed the news, saying:
"Ahead of Ireland's presidency of the EU in 2026, it is great news that Ireland will host European Maritime Day, which will take place in the great city of Cork – in partnership with Cork City Council. Ireland is an island nation with a coastline of more than 7,400 kilometres. The sea is entwined with our trade, our history and our culture. It is fitting that Europe’s flagship annual maritime event is coming to us. It is also fitting that it will be held in the beautiful city of Cork – a city with a long maritime history and home to the second largest natural harbour in the world."
This event will be co-organised by the Government of Ireland with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications as lead Department, Cork City Council and DG MARE – the Directorate-General (DG) for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries from the EU Commission.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, commented:
"Cork's maritime heritage, culture and industry have always been core elements of the City's identity and vibrancy. For centuries, the city's Coat of Arm has celebrated Cork as being a 'safe harbour for ships'
Cork Coat of Arms incorporating the Latin inscription Statio Bene Fida Carinas.
Hosting European Maritime Day in 2025 provides international recognition and acknowledgment of Cork’s place in Europe as a maritime hub and builds on investment and collaboration with local, national, and European partners."
The event will also be attended by a large number of exhibitors from around Europe, who showcase the blue economy’s innovation and investment potential. The EMD exhibition space is an ideal place for stakeholders to meet, exchange experience and discuss the latest developments.
