The ECOP Programme at EU Ocean Days: Shaping the Future of the Blue Sector
The Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme gathered for the European Ocean Days (March 2–6) in Brussels. Throughout the week, the team played a central role in advocating for the next generation of ocean professionals, specifically during the “Inspiring the Next Generation of Blue Careers” session at SPARKS.
Strategic Insights from the Frontlines
Representing the ECOP Programme across two high-level panels, Anna Spiessens (Training and Mentoring Task Team) and Arthur Deviaene (ECOP Belgium node) brought a cohesive youth perspective to the EU’s maritime agenda.
Together, they emphasized that empowering ECOPs is not just a future goal, but a present necessity. Their contributions focused on three key pillars:
- From Experimentation to Transformation: A call to scale “lighthouse” solutions and embed them firmly within EU policy and financing frameworks to ensure long-term impact.
- Coherence and Connection: The importance of aligning with the European Ocean Pact to break down information silos and manage the complexity of ocean governance without oversimplifying the challenges.
- Intergenerational Leadership: A strong emphasis on meaningful integration across governance and implementation. This approach ensures that ECOPs are recognized as the leaders of today, driving lasting change through collaborative decision-making.
Watch the Action: You can catch the full discussion on inspiring blue careers and see our team in action by viewing the session recording here.
(1) picture description: ECOP Belgium node representative, Arthur Deviaene, at the panel “Looking ahead: Aligning with EU priorities”. Photo credit: Eshja Bol.
(2) Picture description: ECOP Programme Training and Mentoring Task Team representative, Anna Spiessens, at the panel “ Inspiring the Next Generation of Blue Careers”.
The Marketplace: Connecting Talent and Policy
This strategic dialogue was complemented by an interactive Marketplace. This vibrant session allowed ECOPs, policymakers, and industry leaders to share personal journeys and explore actionable ways to support early-career talent.
The ECOP Programme Belgium team and the ECOP Programme Training and Mentoring Task Team focused on engaging with youth from across Europe, showcasing the immense potential of the network—from joining local country nodes to contributing to global task teams.
(3) Picture description: ECOP Programme representation at the EU Ocean Days Market place. From left to right: Erin Villanueva, Anna Spiessens, Anna-Maria Vafeiadou, Juana Jimenez, Rhea Thoppil and Lilly Bucher (ECOP Belgium team).
Bridging Waves:
How VMSD 2026 Empowered the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders
The tides of marine science are shifting, and at the heart of this transformation is a diverse, energized group of individuals: the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs).
In March 2026, the Belgian marine community gathered for the VLIZ Marine Science Day (VMSD26). While this annual event has always been a cornerstone for local researchers, this year felt different. As we navigate the midpoint of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), VMSD26 served as a powerful reminder that ECOPs are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the catalysts for change today.
A Unique Stage for New Voices
For an ECOP, VMSD is much more than a date in the calendar; it is a unique professional springboard. This year’s edition offered a platform for young researchers to step out of the lab and into the spotlight. Whether through the high-stakes one-minute pitch presentations or the vibrant poster sessions, ECOPs had the opportunity to showcase their work to a multidisciplinary audience.
The significance of this cannot be overstated. In the context of the Ocean Decade, “the science we need for the ocean we want” requires breaking down silos. At VMSD26, a PhD student studying microplastics might find themselves discussing solutions with a policy expert or a blue economy entrepreneur. This cross-pollination of ideas is exactly what the ECOP Programme aims to foster.
ECOP Belgium: The Vital Bridge
One of the most exciting aspects of VMSD26 was the visible presence of the ECOP Belgium node. But what does “the node” actually mean for a researcher in Ostend, Ghent, or Brussels?
The ECOP Belgium node acts as a strategic bridge. On one side, we have the Global ECOP Programme, a massive international network endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade that connects thousands of professionals worldwide. On the other side, we have our national context—the specific challenges and expertise found within the Belgian North Sea and our world-class research institutions.
By participating in VMSD26, the Belgian node demonstrated its dual role:
- Local Empowerment: Providing Belgian ECOPs with the tools, visibility, and networking opportunities to excel within their home institutions.
- Global Connectivity: Ensuring that the voices and innovations of Belgian marine scientists are heard on the international stage, feeding directly into the global Decade Actions.
What it Means for the Future
The energy at VMSD26 proved that being an ECOP in Belgium is about more than just a job title. It is about belonging to a community that values inclusivity, sustainability, and impact.
As we look back at the highlights of the event—the “Brilliant Marine Ideas,” the networking coffee breaks that turned into collaborations, and the shared passion for ocean health—one thing is clear: the bridge between our local efforts and global goals is stronger than ever.
The ECOP Belgium node is here to ensure that this momentum doesn’t stop at the end of the conference. We are committed to supporting you as you navigate your career, helping you turn your science into action for the Ocean Decade.
Did you miss VMSD26 or want to relive the highlights? Check out the photos, presentations, and the full atmosphere of the day on the official VLIZ retrospective page.
Are you an ECOP based in Belgium? Join our network and help us shape the future of the ocean! : https://early-career-ocean-professionals-belgium.kit.com/cfb4be68aa