MMinE-SwEEPER 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.
Together with our partner project CAMMera, MMinE-SwEEPER organized the workshop “Towards an EU-wide Munitions Removal Strategy”. The session brought together leading European experts in marine munitions to discuss recent scientific advances, technological innovations, and policy developments that are shaping future approaches to underwater munitions management and removal across Europe.
The panel featured Agnieszka Jędruch (IO PAN), Torsten Frey (GEOMAR), and Paola Renzi (ISPRA), and was moderated by Paul Trautendorfer (JPI Oceans). The discussion was further enriched by contributions from Christos Economou, Head of Unit and Deputy Director at the European Commission’s DG MARE, who presented the Commission’s ongoing work towards a future EU Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Removal Strategy. Susan Steele, Executive Director of EFCA, highlighted the successful cooperation between the EFCA 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.
In addition to the workshop, MMinE-SwEEPER hosted together with CAMMera, MUNI-RISK and MUNIMAP an exhibition stand that showcased the activities and achievements of the projects, while also highlighting the important work of the related Munitions in the Sea projects (REMARCO, BaltWreck, SAFE BS2BKS, CONMAR 2, BorDEx and IRAV 2, Waterside). The booth provided an excellent opportunity to engage with visitors, exchange knowledge, and raise awareness of the environmental and safety risks posed by underwater munitions.
We look back on two highly successful and productive days in Limassol, marked by insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and a shared commitment to advancing safe and sustainable solutions for Europe’s underwater munitions legacy.
Photo credit of tile: D.Henkel
