First of its kind, Blue Tides: Kerala–European Union (EU) Blue Economy Conclave to be held on September 18-19 in Thiruvananthapuram

EU and EU Member States Ambassadors to visit Kerala in September

Trivandrum / September 18, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 18: The Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave, a first-of-its-kind event will be hosted by the Government of Kerala in collaboration with the European Union and the Government of India on September 18–19, 2025. The conclave marks a significant milestone in EU–India collaboration, focusing on sustainable ocean investments, climate action, and innovation. This visit reflects the EU’s strong commitment to deepening cooperation with India-particularly Kerala-in building a resilient and future-ready blue economy.

A high-profile European delegation, led by European Union (EU) Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Hervé Delphin, and joined by Ambassadors and senior representatives from 17 EU Member States will visit Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from 17- 19 September. During the visit, the “Team Europe” delegation is expected to meet with the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan along with other key ministers, Indian businesses and will attend Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave in Kovalam.

India, with its vast coastline, thriving ports, and growing expertise in marine research, aquaculture, and renewable energy, is steadily positioning itself as a global leader in the Blue Economy. Kerala, with 600 km of coastline, an extensive network of rivers and estuaries, inland waters, and rich marine biodiversity, stands at the forefront of this transformation.

Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan will be joined by H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium; H.E. Mr. Nikolay Yankov, Ambassador of Bulgaria; H.E. Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark; H.E. Mr. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador of Finland; H.E. Mr. István Szabó, Ambassador of Hungary; H.E. Mr. Antonio Enrico Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy; H.E. Mr Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta; H.E. Dr. Piotr Świtalski, Ambassador-Designate/ Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Poland; H.E. Mr. Robert Maxian, Ambassador of Slovakia; H.E. Mr. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain and H.E. Ms. Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania. In addition, Ms. Gisela Kristoferitsch, Deputy Head of Austria; Mr. Damien Syed, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of France; Ms. Irma Sincovek, Deputy Head of Slovenia; Mr. Huib Mijnarends, Deputy Head of Netherlands; Dr. Simon H Perker, First secretary, Economic and Global affairs of Germany and Ms Cecilia Tall, Counsellor Innovation and Science of Sweden will also be part of the Team Europe delegation.

The Conclave will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, and presided over by the Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Mr. Saji Cherian. Hon’ble Union Ministers, along with Secretaries from the Government of India and Kerala, will also participate in the event, reflecting the strong national commitment to blue economy growth.

Speaking ahead of the Conclave, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, said:

“Kerala has always looked to the oceans not only for sustenance but also for innovation, resilience, and growth. This conclave is an opportunity to shape a global alliance for a sustainable and equitable blue economy, with Kerala as a bridge between India and Europe.”

EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Hervé Delphin, said:

“EU relations and partnership with India are multi-fold and multi-sectoral, aiming at exploring all avenues for possible cooperation and investment across the country. With its unique potential linked to maritime activities and industry, coastal resilience and sustainability, high skills, wellness and tourism, Kerala presents many opportunities for European stakeholders. The Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave is therefore more than a single event—it is a collaborative platform where EU expertise in the maritime domain, investment capacity, and focus on sustainable economic development and management of marine resources can contribute to accelerating India’s blue economy vision and generate mutual benefits.”

Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Mr. Saji Cherian, said:

“This conclave underlines Kerala’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and ocean stewardship. By joining hands with the EU and the Government of India, we seek to create opportunities for our coastal communities while ensuring the long-term health of our marine ecosystems.”

Kerala has a proud history in the blue economy, having pioneered community-based fisheries management and marine research in India. The State’s initiatives in sustainable aquaculture and coastal resilience have set benchmarks for others to follow. Fisheries are the lifeline of Kerala, providing direct livelihood to over 10 lakh people, including nearly 2.5 lakh active fishers, and supporting millions more indirectly through allied activities such as fish processing, trade, and exports. The sector contributes significantly to the State’s economy while preserving its cultural identity and coastal heritage.

The European Union has long recognized the blue economy as a cornerstone of sustainable growth. In 2022, the sector employed 4.5 million people in Europe and generated nearly €890 billion in turnover. The EU is also leading the global transition towards climate neutrality in maritime transport, fisheries, and ocean industries. Through flagship initiatives such as BlueInvest and the European Ocean Pact, Europe is mobilising private-sector investment and international collaboration to create jobs, drive innovation, and safeguard the world’s oceans for future generations.

 The Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave will spotlight opportunities across key sectors, including climate-resilient coastal development and infrastructure, harbour modernisation, logistics, shipping and connectivity investments, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture with innovations in post-harvest management, circular economy models, renewable energy and clean technologies, education, skills development and talent mobility, as well as sustainable coastal and wellness tourism. Through policy dialogues, expert panels, and networking sessions, the conclave will serve as a platform to shape future collaborations, investment opportunities, and long-term strategies between Europe and India.

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