A dynamic new era for youth engagement has begun with the official launch of YouthSOFTPOWER – Youth Engaged in European Soft Power, a cutting-edge Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in Youth. Co-funded by the European Union and masterfully led by Consulta Europa, the project kicked off with a successful pre-online meeting on September 26th, uniting the full, diverse consortium.

This crucial two-year initiative addresses the urgent need to raise awareness among young Europeans about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Official Development Assistance (ODA). More than just education, the project is designed to actively equip young people with vital 21st-century skills in advocacy, digital communication, and leadership.

YouthSOFTPOWER brings together six distinct and expert organizations from five countries, creating a robust foundation for broad impact: Consulta Europa (Spain), Universidad de La Laguna (Spain), Liofyllo Social Cooperative Enterprise (Greece), Ecological and Innovation Association (Türkiye), Keuropa ry (Finland), and West Ukrainian National University (Ukraine).

At its core, YouthSOFTPOWER aims to significantly foster inclusion, cross-cultural dialogue, and powerful civic engagement. The project places a special focus on disadvantaged groups, including refugees, migrants, and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), by seamlessly combining innovative education, grassroots activism, and modern digital tools.

Over the next two years, the consortium will deliver a suite of high-impact, innovative results:

• A Comprehensive Digital Platform: Featuring rich educational resources on European values, SDGs, and ODA.
• Action Tools for Advocacy: Including a practical Youth Advocacy Guide and adaptable campaign templates for ODA-SDG promotion.
• Amplified Youth Voices: Producing youth-led podcasts, vlogs, and webinars to ensure young people’s perspectives on global issues are heard.
• Empowerment Training: Delivering targeted training activities, intensive bootcamps, and workshops to strengthen soft skills and actively empower youth as effective global citizens.

Each partner contributes unique strengths—from rigorous research and academic excellence to effective grassroots activism and digital innovation—guaranteeing a holistic and powerful foundation for maximum change.

Stay tuned as YouthSOFTPOWER unfolds! We are committed to sharing regular updates, empowering the next generation to take action, advocate for change, and shape a more just and sustainable future for all.

Project applicants advancing to the final stage of the BESTLIFE2030 Programme’s 2nd Call for Proposals received critical technical support this week in a capacity-building webinar organised by Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation. As the Regional Hub for Macaronesia, Consulta Europa hosted the practical session on 22 September, designed to equip finalists with the tools and knowledge needed to finalise their Full Proposals.

The workshop served as a crucial follow-up to the preparatory webinar held by IUCN, moving beyond theoretical guidance to offer a highly practical deep dive into the application process. A concrete case study was presented, followed by detailed tips on navigating the different sections of the full proposal, all aimed at strengthening submissions focused on biodiversity conservation in the EU’s outermost regions and overseas countries and territories.

Focus on Technical Rigour and Strategic Planning

The guidance focused on the five main sections of the online application portal: Narrative, Logical Framework & Monitoring Plan, Safeguards (ESMS), Budget, and Submission.

Key takeaways emphasised the need for strategic project design and consistency across all components:

• Project Narrative: Applicants were advised to incorporate recommendations from their initial concept note evaluations and clearly articulate their exit strategy for sustaining project results beyond the funding period.
• Logical Framework (Logframe): The importance of a well-defined logframe was stressed, requiring clear specific objectives, measurable results, and detailed activities. Crucially, participants were reminded that at least one biodiversity indicator is mandatory for the monitoring plan.
• Supporting Documentation: Beyond the online forms, the workshop highlighted the need to prepare essential supplementary files, including CVs for all personnel and, most importantly, letters of support from project partners.

Full Session

Download the presentation here

Crucial Deadline and Evaluation Threshold

Applicants were given a firm reminder of the upcoming deadline for the highly competitive grant call.

The final date for submitting the full proposal via the BESTLIFE2030 application portal (https://speciesgrants.iucn.org) is November 14th at 14h00 (CET). A hard deadline for submitting any final clarifications has been set for October 31st.

Project proposals will be evaluated against five main criteria, with a maximum score of 100. To be considered for funding, a proposal must meet a minimum threshold score of 65. The evaluation criteria weigh highly on relevance and effectiveness (30 points) and concept and methodology (25 points).

The session concluded with a Q&A segment, allowing participants to address specific queries ahead of the final submission phase. The recording and presentation materials have been made available to all participants.

For further information regarding the BESTLIFE2030 Programme or the application process, please contact Consulta Europa:

Contact: bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com

Got a brilliant EU-funded project? Fantastic. But if you think your work stops at the final report, think again. Your research findings are valuable, actionable insights that can directly influence policy and shape a better future for all Europeans. The European Commission recognises this, which is why they’ve released a “starter kit” to help EU-funded R&I projects effectively share their scientific evidence with policymakers.

Why Your Scientific Evidence is a Game-Changer

Citizens overwhelmingly believe that scientists should be part of the political conversation. In fact, a recent survey found that 68% of Europeans agree that scientists should intervene in political debates to ensure decisions are evidence-informed. By sharing your findings, you’re not just fulfilling a requirement; you’re actively contributing to a more informed society. Your work can influence:

• Legislative proposals and policy initiatives
• The design of future R&I funding programmes
• Evaluations of existing policies or legislation
• International negotiations

The Blueprint for Success: Three Core Principles

According to the starter kit, there are three essential principles to ensure your results have real policy impact:

Know Your Audience and Context: Policymakers consider multiple inputs, with scientific evidence being a valuable one. You need to understand their needs and what’s on their agenda. Monitor relevant policy developments and identify which of your findings are most pertinent. Your project officer can be a great resource here, connecting you with the right people and debates at the EU level.

Team Up for a Bigger Impact: Don’t go it alone. Establish relationships with a diverse range of researchers and stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry, and civil society. Collaborating with others in similar or complementary fields can enrich your findings and strengthen your collective voice.

Plan for Impact from Day One:To make sure your project results land with the right people at the right time, you need a strategy. The starter kit suggests asking seven key questions early in your project’s lifecycle:

• Why are you engaging? (e.g., to support a specific piece of legislation)
• Who should you inform? (Identify your target audience.)
• What are your key messages? (Be clear, relevant, and credible.)
• What kind of evidence will you use? (Think clear data, figures, and examples.)
• When should you share your results? (Plan for timely inputs)
• Which channels will you use? (This could be a policy brief, workshops, or social media.)

The Power of the Policy Brief

One of the most effective tools for sharing your evidence is the

policy brief. A policy brief is a concise, focused document, typically 2 to 4 pages, that presents clear, actionable recommendations based on scientific evidence for a specific policy matter. It’s designed to be a quick read for busy policymakers.

When writing one, remember these golden rules:

• Do: Use plain language and avoid academic jargon. Focus on the essentials: the problem, why it matters, and what to do about it. Back up every recommendation with compelling evidence and data. Use visuals like graphs and tables to make complex information digestible.
• Don’t: Write an academic paper. Don’t make unsupported claims. Don’t use overly technical language or acronyms. Avoid lengthy blocks of text.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your hard-earned research doesn’t just sit in a report but actually gets the attention it deserves.

For more detailed information, check out the full publications:

• Sharing scientific evidence with policymakers: A starter kit for EU-funded research & innovation (R&I) projects: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/262605e4-4b23-11f0-85ba-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
• Sharing scientific evidence with policymakers: Guide on writing policy briefs for impact: The guide itself cites another publication for more info. The full text of that guide is provided.

In a strategic move to address a fragmented research landscape and a significant funding gap, the European Commission has launched a new strategy to overhaul its research and technology infrastructures. The initiative aims to solidify Europe’s position as a global leader in science and innovation by fostering a more integrated and accessible ecosystem for researchers and industry alike.

The new strategy responds directly to warnings from key reports, including the one by Mario Draghi on the “Future of EU competitiveness”. These reports underscore the critical role of these infrastructures—from particle accelerators to clean rooms and biobanks—as the backbone of Europe’s innovation economy. They are also essential for realising the “fifth freedom” of the EU single market: the free movement of research, knowledge, and innovation.

Europe’s ability to maintain its edge has been hampered by several challenges:

1. Fragmented Funding: A lack of a coherent EU-wide investment approach and scattered private investment has slowed progress. A recent study indicates that European research and technology organisations will need to mobilise between €13 billion and €16 billion for capital investments by 2030 to meet the needs of critical technologies.
2. Limited Access: Complex and costly access procedures, especially for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have created significant barriers.
3. Geographical Imbalance: The current landscape is unevenly distributed, with more than 50% of clean and renewable energy technology infrastructures located in just four countries.
4. To overcome these obstacles, the strategy focuses on five strategic areas:
5. Talent Cultivation: Attracting and retaining top talent by creating clear career paths for a diverse range of roles, from technicians to scientific leaders, aligning with the “Choose Europe” initiative.
6. Ecosystem Reinforcement: Adopting a holistic approach to capacity building, mobilising investment, and leveraging the potential of digitalisation and AI to better serve users.
7. Governance Simplification: Streamlining the governance framework to enable long-term investment decisions and better align priorities across Member States.
8. Accessibility Improvements: Creating a “one-stop-shop” model to provide a continuum of complementary services for researchers and innovative companies across the EU, thereby accelerating the market-readiness of innovations.
9. International Resilience: Strengthening cooperation with strategic international partners to address global challenges while also supporting risk management for critical data and facilities.

This coordinated approach is seen as crucial for bolstering Europe’s economic security and empowering the next generation of industrial champions in the global race for technological sovereignty. For more information, please visit: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/009f0f91-74d3-4b94-9d79-55668cfd5a78_en

 

 

As health services and information move increasingly online, understanding how people access and use digital tools has become essential. Yet, not everyone has the same skills or opportunities to benefit from digital health resources. This is where the IDEAHL project – Improving Digital Empowerment for Active Healthy Living – made a key contribution.

One of its outcomes has now been published in Public Health (Elsevier): “IDEAHL comprehensive protocol for obtaining qualitative information from European citizens on digital health literacy” (Rey Hidalgo et al., 2025). The article presents a structured way of listening to citizens across Europe about their experiences with digital health literacy (dHL).

Why develop a protocol?

Digital health literacy is not just about using the internet to look for health advice. It includes the ability to find reliable information, understand it, and apply it in everyday life. For groups who face barriers – whether due to age, education, social or economic factors – this is especially important.

Existing studies often relied on surveys and numbers, which provide useful data but don’t always capture people’s real experiences. The IDEAHL protocol was created to address this gap. It is a qualitative approach designed to explore how different groups use, or struggle with, digital health tools.

How it was built

The protocol was developed through a review of existing research and a collaborative process with digital health literacy experts and stakeholders. It includes:

• Recruitment methods adapted to different population groups.
• Interview guides with general and group-specific questions.
• Participatory techniques to encourage open discussion.

This approach was applied in 10 European countries, involving 1,434 citizens from 19 different groups, ensuring a wide and diverse participation.

What it means for the future

The protocol is intended as a practical tool for policymakers. By providing a clear method to collect and analyse people’s experiences, it can support the design of national and regional action plans on digital health literacy. This helps ensure that future strategies are based on the realities of those who use, or may struggle to use, digital health services.

IDEAHL’s role

Within the IDEAHL project, which ended in April 2024, the protocol was an important step in shaping a European Digital Health Literacy Strategy. The work was strengthened by the contributions of Michelle Perello and Beatrice Avagnina, who played a role in shaping its design.

The IDEAHL project has provided tools that will remain relevant well beyond its conclusion by bringing together evidence, expert knowledge, and the voices of citizens. Access the full scientific publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033350625003646

On 16 July, the European Commission presented its proposal for a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) that will define the European Union’s long-term budget for the period 2028-2034. With a budget of almost €2 trillion, equivalent to 1.26% of the EU’s gross national income, the MFF is designed to promote a more independent, prosperous, secure and resilient Europe.

This renewed budget responds to the emerging challenges facing the continent and seeks to strengthen the EU’s ability to respond swiftly to crises, promote territorial and social cohesion, accelerate innovation and consolidate Europe’s role as a global player.

A more agile, focused and coherent budget

One of the main new features of this MFF is greater flexibility in the use of funds, which will enable the EU to adapt quickly to new priorities or unexpected situations. In addition, financial programmes are simplified and harmonised, making it easier for citizens and businesses to access funding opportunities.

The Commission also proposes the introduction of National and Regional Partnership Plans, adapting investments and reforms to local needs and strengthening territorial cohesion. The proposal includes a strong boost to competitiveness, with strategic investments in innovation, clean technologies and industrial independence. It also puts forward a balanced proposal for new own resources, with the aim of ensuring adequate revenue without overburdening national budgets.

Investments focused on people, innovation and security

The new MFF is committed to a fairer and more inclusive Europe, with investments targeting education, democratic values and culture. The Erasmus+ programme is being strengthened and the AgoraEU initiative, aimed at protecting cultural diversity and artistic freedom, is being promoted.

Competitiveness and technological transformation will be strengthened with the creation of a new European Competitiveness Fund, focusing on the green and digital transition, biotechnology and defence. In terms of crisis preparedness and resilience, a new emergency mechanism is proposed that could mobilise up to €400 billion in loans for Member States.

The defence and security component will receive an unprecedented investment of €131 billion through the Competitiveness Fund itself, and border and migration management capabilities will be strengthened. At the international level, the Global Europe Instrument will have €200 billion at its disposal, and additional support of up to €100 billion is planned for Ukraine.

New resources and citizen participation

To finance these priorities without increasing the burden on national budgets, the Commission is proposing five new own resources. These include revenues linked to emissions trading, the carbon border adjustment mechanism, non-recycled electronic waste, tobacco taxes and a corporate contribution based on turnover.

The proposal not only reflects a strategic vision, but also an exercise in participatory democracy. Prior to its presentation, an open consultation process was carried out, including the European Citizens’ Panel on the EU budget, held in the first half of 2025. This process resulted in 23 recommendations, many of which have been incorporated into the final design of the MFF.

The new episode of OCEAN, the Euronews documentary series produced in collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), is now available and features the European project TWINNEDbySTARS. Broadcast on 29 July in over 160 countries, the episode focuses on sea-friendly tourism and shows how the outermost regions of the Atlantic are committed to a development model based on knowledge, authenticity, and sustainability.

From underwater archaeology to whale-watching excursions guided by scientists, the report demonstrates that a tourism model is possible that protects and values the ocean’s natural and cultural heritage, in contrast to mass tourism models that have sparked protests in cities such as Barcelona and Venice. TWINNEDbySTARS aims to transform holiday experiences in coastal areas in a responsible and sustainable way.

Funded by the European Commission, the project connects SMEs in the nautical sector across the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, and Martinique, promoting the design and testing of new sustainable, multi-destination tourism products. These experiences integrate science, culture, and ocean enjoyment from a responsible perspective, fostering respect for the marine environment and connection with local heritage.

“The marine ecosystem, like the terrestrial one, is constantly exposed to human activities. The key lies in corporate social responsibility to operate in the best possible way in the marine environment. TWINNEDbySTARS was created with this goal in mind: to grow responsibly and reduce environmental pressure,” says Yen E. Lam, coordinator of the project.

The Euronews team visited two of the participating islands to learn more about the initiatives within this network of transformation. In Tenerife, they visited Biosean, a company led by marine biologist Misael Morales Vargas, offering whale-watching excursions with a scientific focus and minimal environmental impact. Their trips are conducted in quiet inflatable boats with small groups, making each outing an educational experience.

One of the most special moments is the use of the hydrophone, an underwater microphone that allows visitors to hear the clicks and whistles of cetaceans in real time. “There is an environmental emergency, and we need to create experiences that can change people’s mindsets. We need them to see nature as part of us, not as something separate,” Morales Vargas points out.

In Faial, in the Azores archipelago, the OCEAN team sailed with Naturalist, another TWINNEDbySTARS participant. Their guides combine scientific knowledge with respectful observation of marine fauna, bringing visitors closer to the world of cetaceans in a conscious and intimate way. “We want to be role models so that other companies can strengthen the links between science and tourism, using better data obtained directly from the ocean,” explains Gisela Dionísio, marine biologist at Naturalist.

The episode also highlights other relevant initiatives, such as the ecoRoute project, which promotes underwater heritage in peripheral regions through responsible diving and coastal archaeology. Initiatives like these strengthen the ecosystem of actors who, like TWINNEDbySTARS, are leading the shift toward more conscious tourism in the Atlantic.

The full episode is available in several languages on the Euronews website:
🔗 https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/07/29/how-atlantic-islands-are-proving-tourism-can-help-the-ocean

With this international visibility, TWINNEDbySTARS is taking another step toward becoming a European benchmark in creating sustainable, cooperative marine tourism experiences aligned with the current challenges facing the ocean.

© Euronews / European Commission, 2025

On June 2025 the YOUNGSDG partners gathered in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain for an Evaluation Workshop hosted by Consulta Europa. The meeting offered a key opportunity to review progress, share experiences and agree on the next milestones.

Project partners’ representatives from Consulta Europa (Spain), YouthX (Germany) and BILGEMDER (Türkiye), gathered for a workshop that provided  a constructive space for dialogue and collaboration. Through team-building and strategy sessions, partners revisited their contributions, considered participant feedback and aligned on future steps to deliver results and meaningful learning experiences.

The evaluation also provided an opportunity to review and endorse two cornerstone resources already completed—the YOUNGSDG Methodology Handbook and a practical SDG Training Guide for youth workers—which will serve as the foundation for the project’s upcoming activities.

The second half of the project now begins with several events already in sight.

On 8–9 July YouthX will lead an online Civil Public Service Announcement campaign. Over two practical sessions, young people will use tools such as Canva and Powtoon to create posters, short videos and social-media clips that present the Sustainable Development Goals in a fresh, creative, youth-friendly way.

In early September partner representatives and selected young people will travel to Berlin for a three-day bootcamp. The programme will combine SDG basics, hands-on labs and a design-thinking exercise in which teams develop projects to implement in their own communities, strengthening leadership, creativity and advocacy skills.

Between late 2025 and early 2026 each partner will host a two-day national symposium. These events will bring together young citizens, teachers, civil-society groups and local authorities to share project results and build further cooperation around the SDGs.

The project will conclude in June 2026 with a final conference in Muğla, Türkiye, organised by BILGEMDER. Partners, policy-makers and young changemakers will review achievements and discuss how to keep the momentum alive.

Follow @YoungSDG on social media to stay involved and help transform the SDGs from words on paper into everyday action across Europe.

The European TWINNEDbySTARS project enters a new phase with the launch of its first two collaborative products, developed together with small and medium-sized enterprises in the nautical sector in the outermost regions of the Atlantic.

The first of these is a programme of certified internships on board, a proposal that connects theoretical training with real experience at sea. These training placements are aimed at young people and students interested in developing their careers in the nautical sector, with the possibility of short or long-term placements, with or without accommodation included. The internships have an educational approach and a strong commitment to the environment, offering participating companies an opportunity to contribute to the future of the sector and to be an active part of an Atlantic training network.

The second product is Atlantic Starlight Adventures, a joint platform for the promotion and sale of nautical experiences linked to stargazing. After a year of joint work, the participating companies have developed diverse offers of activities such as night sailing, inter-island routes at sunset and constellation observation. Each company has designed its own tourism package, providing uniqueness within a shared narrative that celebrates the Atlantic sky as a differentiating element.

These products mark the beginning of a new phase for TWINNEDbySTARS, focused on connecting destinations, companies and new audiences through sustainable, educational and memorable experiences at sea.

The European CARE4YOUTH project, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Youth programme, successfully concluded its final conference on 19 June at the Espacio Joven Creativo La Grada in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The participatory event focused on the well-being and inclusion of European youth, bringing together young people, representatives of social organisations, and institutional leaders to share insights and plan future steps following the project’s culmination.

CARE4YOUTH supports young people aged 16 to 25 who have experienced institutional care, helping them transition towards independent adult life. Through an innovative blend of non-formal education and outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and volleyball, the project aims to foster their personal and professional development. Employing a participatory methodology and pilot programmes, CARE4YOUTH has forged tangible solutions, providing training spaces tailored to their needs and co-created with both professionals and young participants.

A Day of Reflection, Connection, and Future Planning

The morning commenced with an opening address from the President of the Canary Islands Youth Council, Eliana Parrilla. She emphasised the vital importance of offering “safe and genuine spaces for youth participation,” particularly for those facing significant obstacles due to their life circumstances. “I deeply empathise with projects like CARE4YOUTH, given my background as a social worker; I strongly support all initiatives that extend a hand to young people and provide them with tools to develop on equal terms,” Parrilla stated.

Subsequently, Espacio Joven Creativo La Grada, the host venue, shared details of its daily work with young people, focusing on creativity, artistic expression, and inclusion. They underscored that providing such spaces is crucial for young people to feel heard and to build their own paths with freedom and support.

A comprehensive overview of the CARE4YOUTH project and its partners in Spain (Escafandra Diving Club and Consulta Europa), Italy (Prism), and Serbia (Jump) then followed. The team presented the methodology used and key findings from national reports, which identified the main emotional, social, and educational challenges faced by young people leaving care systems. This segment also featured national activities and testimonials, showcasing best practices from partner organisations. These accounts brought a human element to the achievements. “The young participants learned new skills and developed a greater appreciation for the marine environment. But most importantly, they gained confidence, because the water activities organized by our club represent a significant challenge for some of them—one they successfully overcame with the support of their peers. That sense of achievement not only boosts their confidence and self-esteem, but also makes them feel more connected to the group ” explained Aranzazu Trujillo, from Club de Buceo Escafandra, the project’s coordinating organisation.

The latter part of the day was dedicated to the collaborative workshop, “What Now? The Future of CARE4YOUTH.” Attendees explored ideas to ensure the project’s legacy. Notable proposals, shared in a plenary session by facilitators and participants, included forming new partnerships, integrating project methodologies into local programmes, and the ongoing need to listen to care-experienced young people as the protagonists of their own journeys.

Julio Triana, President of the Escafandra Diving Club and project coordinator, delivered the closing remarks. He highlighted CARE4YOUTH’s significance as a transformative initiative for vulnerable young people. “Projects like CARE4YOUTH are an opportunity not only for young people to acquire skills that help them move forward but also a path of self-discovery, self-esteem building, and reconnection with their own potential,” Triana concluded.

The event wrapped up with a collective commitment to continue working towards a more supported, resilient youth, empowered to lead their own lives. For many involved, this final conference marked not an end, but the beginning of new collaborations and shared paths.

 

On 2 June, after months of meticulous planning, rigorous development, and obtaining all necessary permits, the AquaWind project reached a major milestone with the successful launch of its Multi-Use prototype at the ASTICAN shipyard facilities in the harbour of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. This event marks the beginning of the final testing phase, as the project awaits a suitable maritime weather window for offshore deployment at the Canary Islands Oceanic Platform (PLOCAN).

The innovative prototype integrates an enhanced version of the W2Power floating dual-turbine wind platform—developed by Spanish company EnerOcean—with a purpose-built aquaculture cage designed by the ASIICI/ULPGC team. The cage features novel mesh materials, advanced digitalisation for remote operation, and is ready for biological evaluation using both a model fish species and a high-value new species aimed at promoting aquaculture diversification.

W2Power is a proven floating wind technology, particularly well suited for multi-use applications. The platform has been retrofitted to incorporate aquaculture components. For the first time, this project will conduct proof-of-concept trials that combine marine energy production with live fish aquaculture in the Atlantic region.

“The prototype launch marks a foundational milestone in the AquaWind project. It demonstrates our readiness to move forward while ensuring that we take every technical and scientific measure before the offshore phase,” said Javier Fernández, Engineering Director at EnerOcean.

The project aims to demonstrate how wind energy production and fish farming can be remotely operated in the same maritime space, involving different fish species and evaluating how the two activities influence each other. The ultimate goal is to pave the way toward commercialising this Multi-Use solution.

 

Rigorous Testing Prior to Offshore Deployment

Before heading offshore, the prototype underwent rigorous testing at the Taliarte port test site (Gran Canaria), operated by the ECOAQUA Institute from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain.

In recent months, researchers from ACIISI/ECOAQUA at ULPGC have fine-tuned the remote operation systems of the AquaWind fish cage prototype. As part of their work, they conducted comparative biological assessments of fish performance in the AquaWind system versus conventional aquaculture cages at the Canexmar aquaculture farm site. These studies ensured optimal integration of the cage with the W2Power platform and validated its capacity to support healthy fish growth under controlled conditions.

“The land-based trials allowed us to validate the cage’s mechanical performance and digital systems, but more importantly, they provided critical insights into fish welfare and product quality,” said Dr. Javier Roo, AquaWind Coordinator and Principal Investigator at ACIISI/ULPGC.

By monitoring the biological performance of the fish, the team established baseline parameters for stress biomarkers and the biochemical composition of scales and flesh. These indicators will be essential for comparative studies during offshore deployment, ensuring that the AquaWind system meets biological standards for sustainable aquaculture.

The testing, which lasted over 180 days at the Taliarte harbour, focused on rearing the commercial model species Sparus aurata (gilt-head sea bream). Researchers tracked fish growth, biochemical markers, and overall health within the AquaWind prototype cage and compared the results to those from traditional cages.

This preparatory study was a crucial step in validating AquaWind’s aquaculture innovation before proceeding to full-scale offshore demonstrations.

 

Real-World Implementation and Testing

Following extensive design and development work, the successful launch of the Multi-Use prototype represents a major achievement. Implementing the aquaculture system involved not only physical construction, but also the integration of remote monitoring, feeding, and detection systems.

The next step involves towing the prototype to PLOCAN, where it will undergo a critical offshore testing phase lasting up to six months. During this period, researchers will assess fish growth, survival rates, and product quality, while also evaluating environmental impact and system durability under real maritime conditions. The initial test phase will focus on Sparus aurata, followed by preliminary trials with Seriola dumerili (greater amberjack), enabling a comprehensive performance assessment.

Additionally, researchers will study biofouling control on both the fish cage and the W2Power platform—an essential factor for maintaining operational efficiency. Data collected throughout the offshore testing will inform potential improvements to the system.

“We are entering a decisive phase that will deliver real-world data on the interplay between aquaculture and offshore renewable energy. These findings will inform the next generation of integrated marine infrastructure,” said the Engineering Director at EnerOcean.

 

A Key Step for Sustainability and the Blue Economy

The AquaWind Multi-Use concept tackles one of the European Union’s major challenges: optimising the sustainable and efficient use of marine space. By integrating renewable energy and aquaculture at a single location, the project significantly reduces its carbon footprint and aligns with EU climate and energy goals.

 

A Replicable Model for the Future

The launch of this prototype represents a fundamental step in redefining how marine spaces are managed in Europe and beyond. AquaWind not only tests the technical feasibility of multi-use infrastructures, but also lays the groundwork for future blue economy initiatives by promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

This milestone highlights the potential to transition towards a cleaner and more efficient energy model. With this deployment, AquaWind positions itself as a key reference point for future developments in offshore multi-use solutions.

 

Towards the Future

Following successful offshore demonstrations, the next phase of the AquaWind project will focus on moving from pilot to pre-commercial and commercial deployment. This includes scaling up systems within the Atlantic Basin, enhancing digital tools and materials, and conducting in-depth environmental and economic analyses.

In addition, AquaWind will work on developing a scalable business model, strengthening stakeholder engagement through local benefits, and creating supportive regulatory frameworks. By applying circular economy principles, fostering international partnerships, and embedding sustainable practices, the project aims to become a global benchmark for multi-use offshore solutions.

“This is not the end but a beginning. AquaWind paves the way for broader applications in sustainable marine space management, setting the foundations for a scalable and replicable model across the Atlantic and other oceanic regions such as the Outermost Regions,” said Dr. Roo, Coordinator of the AquaWind Project.

About the Consortium

In addition to the aforementioned partners ACIISI, ULPGC, EnerOcean, CANEXMAR, and PLOCAN, the AquaWind project consortium also includes Consulta Europa, the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster, WAVEC, and INNOSEA. These entities are actively contributing to the development of this pioneering initiative, which brings together offshore renewable energy and aquaculture.

The AquaWind project is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101077600. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The European Commission has launched the EU Gender Equality Champion Award, an award that recognises academic and research organisations that are driving institutional transformations towards gender equality through Gender Equality Plans (GEPs).

Objective of the award

This initiative aims to make visible the commitment of institutions to gender equality, to encourage the implementation of inclusive plans and to strengthen the creation of a European community of leading organisations in this field. The award also complements the requirements of Horizon Europe and is aligned with the transformation of the European Research Area (ERA), in synergy with the European Education Area (ERA) and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Award categories

The call for proposals includes three categories for which organisations can apply, choosing only one.

The first is Sustainable Gender Equality Champions, aimed at those organisations that can demonstrate a consolidated and sustained track record in the implementation of their gender equality plans.

The second category is New Gender Equality Champions, for organisations that have recently completed their first gender equality plan and can demonstrate significant progress since its implementation.

Finally, the Inclusive Gender Equality Champions category will reward those institutions that have developed particularly innovative and inclusive plans, addressing gender from an intersectional perspective – for example, also considering factors such as ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability – and can demonstrate concrete results in their implementation.

Endowment and conditions

Four prizes of EUR 100,000 each will be awarded, totalling EUR 800,000 between the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

Only one category per organisation is allowed to participate. In addition to the main application, additional documentation may be required during the process, such as legal or bank validations, and a short video explaining the achievements, to be used for communication purposes only.

An opportunity to lead change

This award represents a unique opportunity for universities and research centres to consolidate their leadership in gender equality at European level and become a reference for institutional transformation in the framework of the new ERA.

For more information and details click here

On 22 April 2025, Consulta Europa hosted an informative webinar aimed at potential applicants from the Macaronesian region interested in submitting a proposal to the second call of the BESTLIFE2030 programme.

The session was a success, gathering a wide range of stakeholders from the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira, including NGOs, research institutions, and local authorities. The webinar provided detailed guidance on the structure of the call, eligibility criteria, application process, and evaluation timeline.

We are pleased to make available the full recording of the session, now accessible on our YouTube channel, as well as the presentation used during the event, which includes useful links and key points covered during the session.

▶ Watch the webinar recording
📄 Download the presentation 

For any further questions, participants are encouraged to contact us directly at bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com.

Stay tuned for upcoming updates and don’t miss the opportunity to join this important funding initiative for biodiversity in the EU outermost regions.

Consulta Europa is pleased to invite organisations and stakeholders to an informative webinar dedicated to the second call for proposals under the BestLife2030 programme, specifically for the Macaronesian region (Madeira, Azores, and Canary Islands).

The webinar will take place on:

• Date: Tuesday, 22 April 2025
• Time: 10:00 a.m. (Canary Islands time)
• Format: Online

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the key elements of the new call for proposals, including:

• Eligibility criteria for applicants
• Detailed explanation of the application process
• Overview of the thematic priorities of the call
• Information on the support available through the Consulta Europa Regional Hub for Macaronesia.

This webinar is particularly relevant for organisations and stakeholders actively involved or interested in developing biodiversity conservation projects within the Macaronesian archipelago.

Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance through the following link: https://forms.gle/Zb2FMxXadzvVXErFA

Consulta Europa encourages attendees to share this invitation with other relevant actors within their networks who may benefit from this information.

For any enquiries regarding the webinar or the BestLife2030 programme, please do not hesitate to contact us at bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com.