The MMinE-SwEEPER project actively contributed to the European Maritime Day (EMD) 2026 in Cyprus, engaging with policymakers, researchers, and maritime stakeholders on the challenge of underwater munitions in European seas.
A particular highlight was the workshop Towards an EU-wide Munitions Removal Strategy. Moderated by Paul Trautendorfer (JPI Oceans), the session featured presentations by Agnieszka Jędruch (IO PAN), Torsten Frey (GEOMAR), and Paola Renzi (ISPRA), who discussed recent scientific advances, technological developments, and policy initiatives shaping future approaches to underwater munitions management and removal across Europe. The discussion was further enriched by contributions from Christos Economou (DG MARE), who presented the European Commission's ongoing work towards a future EU UXO Removal Strategy, and Susan Steele (EFCA), who highlighted the successful cooperation between the European Fisheries Control Agency and MMinE-SwEEPER. A key message emerging from the workshop was the importance of transferring the knowledge and experience gained in the Baltic Sea to other European sea basins, supporting a coordinated European approach to addressing the legacy of underwater munitions.
Photo credit of tile: D.Henkel