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Strengthening offshore wind in Central and Eastern Europe: BLUECEE visits Brussels

From October 29 to 31 2024, representatives of the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), the Energy Policy Group (EPG), the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Zagreb (FSB) and the Instrat Foundation travelled to Brussels for a series of consultations and events aimed at advancing offshore wind development in Central and Eastern Europe.

This visit was part of the BLUECEE project, which focuses on unlocking the offshore wind potential in Croatia, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. By fostering regional cooperation and strategic planning, BLUECEE aligns with the European Commission’s call for creating “communities of practice” in sustainable energy.

Engaging with EU Institutions and Stakeholders

The trip included consultations with key EU institutions such as the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER), the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), and the European External Action Service (EEAS). These meetings underscored the critical role of civil society in driving offshore wind initiatives in the region and highlighted challenges like the lack of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) in some countries and the need for EU pressure to meet renewable energy targets.

CSD emphasised the need to integrate offshore wind into strategic frameworks and called for stronger support from EU institutions. DG Maritime Affairs confirmed that countries can move forward with offshore wind projects without formal inclusion in the MSP. However, some countries, such as Croatia, are unlikely to move forward effectively without the explicit inclusion of offshore wind in their MSPs.

Collaboration at the OCEAN/RGI Conference

On October 30, CSD participated in the OCEAN/RGI Conference, where it showcased the work of the Black Sea Renewable Energy Coalition (BSREC). The conference provided an opportunity to present BLUECEE’s goals to a wider audience and foster dialogue with potential collaborators and the media. A guided tour of the project stands and subsequent networking sessions facilitated in-depth discussions about partnerships and future initiatives.

Driving Regional Cooperation and Advocacy

The delegation also met with WindEurope where they highlighted the importance of coordinated advocacy to accelerate offshore wind development in Central and Eastern Europe. Discussions focused on combating misinformation, engaging with local governments, and addressing supply chain challenges.

A Path Forward for Offshore Wind

The Brussels consultations reaffirmed the need for strategic cooperation and robust policy frameworks to unlock the offshore wind potential in the Black, Adriatic, and Baltic Seas. By connecting regional stakeholders with EU leaders and industry experts, BLUECEE continues to pave the way for sustainable energy solutions that balance ecological, economic, and societal interests.

The Center for the Study of Democracy remains committed to driving these initiatives forward, ensuring that Central and Eastern Europe contributes meaningfully to Europe’s clean energy transition.