The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ – Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the European Maritime Day (EMD) 2026 celebrations; the European Union’s flagship annual event dedicated to maritime affairs and the sustainable blue economy.
The agreement marks an important milestone in strengthening long-term scientific and institutional collaboration between Cyprus and Belgium in the fields of marine and maritime research and innovation. The MoU builds upon the successful cooperation already established between the two Institutes within the framework of the ‘AXOLOTL’ project, funded under the Horizon Europe Twinning programme (GA number 101158669).
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Mr Zacharias Siokouros, CMMI’s Chief Executive Officer, and Prof. Dr Jan Mees, General Director of VLIZ, in the presence of representatives and collaborators from both institutions.
This partnership aims to foster cooperation across a broad range of strategic marine and maritime domains, including marine observation and monitoring systems, marine biodiversity and environmental DNA (eDNA), marine robotics and autonomous systems, digital twins of the ocean, marine data infrastructures, climate change adaptation, sustainable blue economy development, and science-to-policy interfaces.
The agreement also promotes scientific staff mobility, joint participation in European and international research initiatives, exchange of expertise and best practices, and collaboration on marine research infrastructures and innovation ecosystems.
The signature of the MoU on the sidelines of the European Maritime Day 2026 highlights the shared commitment of both Institutes to strengthening European cooperation in support of ocean knowledge, sustainable blue economy development, and international marine research partnerships, in support of the EU Ocean Pact.
About CMMI
The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) is Cyprus’ Centre of Excellence for marine and maritime research, technology development, and innovation, established in 2019 with EU and National Funding. Driven by the needs of industry and society, CMMI is focused on transforming the marine and maritime sectors and on providing some of the urgent solutions required to the global challenges.
It has nine Research and Innovation Centres that are involved in marine technology, marine robotics, maritime digitalisation, marine observation, marine and coastal ecosystems, marine biotechnology and aquaculture, the maritime human element, marine cultural heritage, ocean governance and international cooperation.
About VLIZ
VLIZ is the leading marine research institute in Flanders and a globally recognised actor in marine science, marine data management, and science-policy support. Based in Ostend, Belgium, VLIZ plays a central role in supporting marine research infrastructures, international marine cooperation, and major European and global marine initiatives, including contributions to marine biodiversity data systems and ocean observation networks.
About EMD 2026
The European Maritime Day 2026, co-organised by the European Commission, the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus, and the Municipality of Limassol, are bringing together Europe’s maritime community in Limassol on 21–22 May 2026 to discuss the future of Europe’s seas and oceans and to promote joint action for a sustainable maritime future.
For more information, contact:
CMMI Press office
Tel: +35724506155
Email: press@cmmi.blue
Website: www.cmmi.blue
