EIT Water Black Sea

Overview‍

EIT Water Black Sea drives innovation across the water, marine and maritime sectors in the Black Sea region (Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Türkiye, Ukraine). As part of EIT Water’s pan-European ecosystem, our regional hub supports solutions that protect marine ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and boost sustainable blue economy growth across Eastern Europe and neighbouring regions.

In 2026, the EIT Water Black Sea host is Marine Cluster Bulgaria, a national organisation uniting actors across the maritime economy. As a strategic innovation hub, it integrates ports, logistics, blue biotech and maritime services to strengthen regional competitiveness. Marine Cluster Bulgaria promotes innovation, shares best practices, supports skills development and elevates the role of the Black Sea within Europe’s blue economy.

Our geographic scope‍

Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Türkiye, Ukraine

Our regional priorities

• Decarbonisation of shipping

• Eco-innovation in transport

• Marine ecosystem health

• Skills development to strengthen resilience and competitiveness

Our regional strengths and assets

• A strategic location connecting EU and non-EU Black Sea countries

• Strong maritime, port, logistics and shipbuilding capabilities

• Growing blue biotech and marine research landscape

• Leadership in sustainable technological and digital innovation

• Cross-border networks fostering EU–Black Sea cooperation

• Diverse ecosystems enabling collaboration across six countries

Our members

• Bulgaria: Marine Cluster Bulgaria, Mozaika, RIDOTEK EOOD

• Turkey: Main CEA Biyoteknoloji Limited Sirketi, BlueitYazilim Ve Danişmanlik Anonim Şirketi, Vessel X Yapay Zeka Makine Sanayi Ve Ticaret LimitedŞirketi

• Ukraine: Ukrainian Cluster Alliance, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

• Romania: RECYCLLUX SRL

Contact: rhblacksea@eitwater.eu

EU funding: This activity is funded by the European Union.

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