European Commission (2017)
In 2012, the European Commission formulated its Blue Growth strategy to harness the potential of Europe's oceans, seas and coasts for growth and jobs1. At that time, the EU was still dealing with a difficult post-financial crisis situation. Yet Europe's seas, coasts and maritime sectors and regions were considered to be drivers for the European economy, with a potential of 5.4 million jobs and a gross added value of just under EUR 500 billion per year.
The objective of the Blue Growth Strategy was to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and employment opportunities in Europe's maritime economy. The blue economy can be a driver for Europe's welfare and prosperity and that was the message of the Blue Growth Strategy adopted by the Commission in 2012. Since then, the Commission has undertaken a series of steps to translate it into actions. It has launched initiatives in many policy areas related to Europe's oceans, seas and coasts, facilitating the cooperation between maritime business and public authorities across borders and sectors, and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the marine environment.