22/06/2026
The 2026 Blue Economy Expert Forum recently concluded with the establishment of a strategic, result-oriented action plan designed to accelerate sustainable development across Tulcea County and the wider South-Eastern European macro-region.
Co-organized by the Tulcea County Council, the Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development (INCDD), and Complex Delta Tulcea, the three-day summit (16-18 of June) served as a high-level platform for international specialists, researchers, public administrators, and business leaders. The strong attendance underscored the growing economic and ecological importance of the blue economy in linking local initiatives to broader European frameworks.
A major focus of the deliberations was aligning regional development with EU green growth objectives. Discussions centered on transforming the area into a pivotal transport hub by optimizing maritime and river corridors. To safeguard the Danube Delta’s sensitive ecosystem, experts emphasized the necessity of deep decarbonisation across regional transport and energy networks.
The economic impact on the macro-region was further explored through frameworks for sustainable and renewable tourism. Participants noted that transitioning to eco-conscious hospitality models would generate durable economic benefits for local communities while preserving regional biodiversity. Furthermore, the forum highlighted cross-border cooperation as an indispensable mechanism for managing shared resources and driving synchronized regional policies.
The 2026 edition successfully established a new benchmark for institutional and economic collaboration, positioning the region as a leader in sustainable growth and environmental initiatives.