greater use of regions, their smart specialisation strategies and their economic ecosystems to form Europe-wide cooperation networks capable of competing with international players. These networks, under the European Sea Tech label, should be able to respond to European Commission calls for proposals to develop and finance the first phases of their high-risk projects
a one-stop shop for aquaculture licences be set up as soon as possible in order to speed up the authorisation process and facilitate communication between stakeholders and different authorities at various levels; training modules on permit granting for local authorities, in order to speed up the application of EU rules.

THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS



 stresses that vibrant oceans are a prerequisite for a thriving blue economy, and that this blue economy must function within ecological boundaries, according to the concept of planetary boundaries. Sustainable management of oceans and seas should therefore be a key priority, based on knowledge, awareness-raising and cross-border cooperation, in order to achieve the objectives of the EU strategic agenda;

 welcomes the European Commission's intention to set up a blue forum to pool knowledge and experience, create synergies, find creative solutions and promote the development of the sector, in addition to its intention to put together proposals to coordinate the use of funds in this area;

 urges the European Commission, with regard to sustainable investment in the maritime sector and in particular maritime industries, to make greater use of regions, their smart specialisation strategies and their economic ecosystems to form Europe-wide cooperation networks capable of competing with international players. These networks, under the European Sea Tech label, should be able to respond to European Commission calls for proposals to develop and finance the first phases of their high-risk projects;

 stresses that local and regional authorities have an important role to play in developing European aquaculture. In the field of fisheries, local and regional authorities are often responsible for the authorisation procedure and for managing and providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises operating on their territory, thus building up extensive experience in these areas. This proximity to the sector provides experience that must be recognised, coordinated and put to good use;

 proposes that a one-stop shop for aquaculture licences be set up as soon as possible in order to speed up the authorisation process and facilitate communication between stakeholders and different authorities at various levels; also recommends introducing training modules on permit granting for local authorities, in order to speed up the application of EU rules.