In brief
On Friday 27 April 2023 the 2nd Black Sea 2030: Security, Resilience, Innovation International Forum opened in Burgas, attracting officials, scientists, business leaders and young people. The event highlighted new technologies for a secure sea, the role of youth in shaping policy, and a mix of experts from EU institutions and local government.
The 2nd Black Sea 2030: Security, Resilience, Innovation International Forum opened on Friday, 27 April 2023 at the International Congress Centre in Burgas, Bulgaria, bringing together government officials, academics, business leaders and students.
The forum focused on Black Sea security, sustainable development of marine and coastal communities, and the role of science, innovation and technology. A centerpiece was the Technologies for a Secure and Sustainable Black Sea expo zone, which showcased solutions designed to improve protection and cooperation across the region.
Organizers from the Burgas Municipality and the Prospekti M Association emphasized the participation of young people, describing them as "the generation that will live with the decisions taken today" and urging the youth to play an active part in future change.
The event brought together a range of high‑profile participants. Among them were Environment and Water Minister Rositsa Karamfilova, Healthy Planet Director at the Directorate‑General for Research and Innovation James Morrison, European Commission Honorary Director and Director of the Institute for Climate, Environment, Energy and the Circular Economy at the European Public Law Organisation (EPLO) and EPLO Ambassador to Bulgaria George Kremlis, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister Ivan Vasilev, and Member of the Mission Board ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ at the European Commission, Ivelina Vasileva.
Ekaterina Zaharieva’s attendance was noted by an EU‑focused news outlet, underscoring the conference’s link to European research and innovation policy. The forum’s agenda aimed to spark dialogue and practical solutions that could shape the region’s development in the coming years, addressing the new security environment, sustainable resource management and the future of coastal communities.
