The event was opened by Marie Kubankova, Coordinator of the BIOEAST Thematic Working Group on Freshwater-Based Bioeconomy, who welcomed participants and highlighted the growing role of freshwater within European bioeconomy, resilience, and sustainability strategies.
On 3 March 2026, stakeholders from across Europe gathered in a hybrid format at Silversquare Europe in Brussels during the Ocean Days for the Freshwater Net Clustering Event, organised by BIOEAST HUB CZ. The half-day event brought together coordinators and partners of EU-funded freshwater projects alongside research organisations, regional actors, and innovation networks to foster collaboration and strategic alignment.
The clustering session provided a structured platform to exchange experiences, identify synergies, and explore opportunities for joint action across projects addressing freshwater ecosystems, nutrient management, circular bioeconomy solutions, and governance innovation. Participants represented initiatives funded under Horizon Europe and related EU frameworks, reflecting the growing strategic importance of freshwater.
Project Presentations: Advancing Freshwater Innovation
The morning session featured project presentations from several Horizon Europe and macro-regional initiatives working on freshwater-related challenges. Featured projects included SEACURE, Path4Med, SystR, DALIA/Rootlinks/NIAGARA, GREENHOOD, and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR).
Presentations addressed themes such as nutrient management, circular bio-based solutions, systemic governance approaches, ecosystem restoration, and improved land–sea connections. Speakers shared early results, implementation challenges, and opportunities for cross-project cooperation, such as the collaboration of SEACURE and Path4Med, which was facilitated by BIOEAST HUB CZ.
Discussions underscored the importance of clustering to reduce fragmentation, enhance interoperability of tools and methodologies, and strengthen the science–policy interface. Participants emphasised the need to translate research outcomes into practical solutions for regions and communities across Europe.
Networking Session: Broadening the Freshwater Community
The second half of the programme focused on a structured networking session, where organisations presented their activities and explored collaboration opportunities. Participating organisations included:
- İstanbul Aydın University
- BETA TC (UVIC-UCC)
- F6S Network
- Terrawave Innovations, Lda
- Global Water Partnership Central and Eastern Europe
- ”Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați
- University of Pannonia
- Association of Danube River Municipalities “Danube”
- Agricultural University of Athens
- IMPACT vzw
- MARE – University of Évora
- People and Water / NT – the Climate Club (Klimateclub) / WaterHolistic
- ESCI- European Science Communication Institute
This diverse representation — spanning universities, regional networks, innovation platforms, and water-focused organisations — reflected strong interest in strengthening engagement with EU freshwater initiatives, particularly within Central and Eastern Europe and the Danube region. The hybrid format enabled active participation from both in-person and remote attendees, facilitating inclusive dialogue across geographical boundaries.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with a summary of key takeaways and follow-up actions. Participants expressed clear interest in maintaining structured exchange among freshwater projects, including joint dissemination efforts, thematic working groups, and coordinated engagement in future EU calls.
By connecting EU-funded projects with regional stakeholders and innovation actors, the Freshwater Net Clustering Event reinforced freshwater’s strategic importance within Europe’s sustainability transition and bioeconomy development.
BIOEAST HUB CZ will continue facilitating dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders engaged in freshwater-based bioeconomy and related EU initiatives.
