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SOCIAL
18/02/2026
Interreg SKILLS joins the International Conference AdriBioPro2026 in September 2026 for the High-Level Panel on skills availability in the Blue Economy
Vover page of the promo leaflet for the AdriBioPro2026 – Fourth International Conference on Adriatic Biodiversity Protection, showing Kotor Bay and the building of the Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro

Policymakers, universities, industry leaders, and regional stakeholders will gather at the upcoming 4th International Conference "Adriatic Biodiversity Protection" AdriBioPro2026 that will take place from 22–25 September 2026 in Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, Stoliv, Kotor, Montenegro for a strategic high-level panel focused on improving skills, education, and employment opportunities in the South Adriatic blue economy, within Skills Project.

The event is expected to attract more than 150 participants, including representatives from ministries, regional authorities, universities, EU programmes, and private sector organisations coming from Montenegro, Italy, and Albania to discuss how the region can better prepare workers and students for the future of marine and maritime industries.

Among the participants will be members of the Cross-Border Permanent Table (CBPT), a regional cooperation body supporting dialogue and coordination among institutions in the South Adriatic area.

As demand grows for qualified professionals in sectors such as aquaculture, sustainable tourism, marine biotechnology, and digital maritime services, the South Adriatic region faces increasing pressure to modernise education and training systems.

During the panel, participants will discuss the growing skills shortages in emerging blue economy sectors and the need to better align education systems with labour market demands. The conversation will also focus on improving the recognition of qualifications across borders, harmonising academic and professional standards among countries in the South Adriatic region, and creating sustainable career opportunities for young people seeking employment in marine and maritime industries.

The initiative aims to:

  • Develop Innovative Learning Modules (ILMs) aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
  • Launch a cross-border First-Level Master programme worth 60 ECTS credits
  • Strengthen cooperation between universities and industry
  • Establish the Blue Economy Training Centre (BETC)
  • Develop the Blue Economy Digital Platform.