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Map of the Week - Blue Economy - Boot 2025

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Countries with the highest percentage of employment in the blue economy include Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, and Greece. In contrast, countries with the lowest share of employment in this sector relative to the overall active population are primarily landlocked nations such as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia. Additionally, coastal countries like Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia also report relatively low levels of employment in the blue economy.

Will you be at boot 2025 this week? The world’s most important boat and water sports fair, boot, is taking place in Düsseldorf (Germany) until 26 January 2025. Boot 2025 is the ultimate gathering for ocean enthusiasts, bringing together industry professionals, water sports lovers, and marine technology innovators from around the globe. Whether you are passionate about sailing, diving, surfing, or cutting-edge marine equipment, boot offers an exciting opportunity to explore the latest trends, network with experts, and experience thrilling demonstrations.

Marine and water protection have been a priority at boot for years. Since 2017, the “Love Your Ocean” initiative, launched in partnership with the German Ocean Foundation, has brought together over 75 partners to raise awareness about ocean and climate protection. The action also invites children to participate. This year, the EU4Ocean Coalition and the European Atlas of the Seas are present to inform visitors about ocean literacy and blue citizenship. On Friday 24th and Saturday 25th, presentations on ‘What would you like to know about the ocean? Let’s learn together!’ will aim at fostering a deeper understanding of marine topics. Additionally, on Saturday, there will be a panel discussion on ‘Engaging water sport enthusiasts - Citizen Science for a Healthier Ocean’ at the Blue Innovation Dock, a platform by the European Boating Industry. Have a look at the presentation and the full agenda of EU4Ocean and the European Atlas of the Seas at boot !

As boot demonstrates, the ocean, seas and coasts provide great benefits to ocean enthusiasts and are vital drivers of the economy. The Blue Economy encompasses a wide range of economic activities related to the ocean, spanning both established and emerging sectors[1]. This week’s map shows employment in the Blue Economy as a percentage of the overall active population. This map provides data on employment across key blue economy sectors (coastal tourism, marine living resources, marine non-living resources, port activities, shipbuilding and repair, and maritime transport) within the European Union (EU). It shows the percentage of the workforce engaged in these sectors, alongside detailed information on sector-specific employment and the overall evolution of the blue economy since 2009 in each Member State. Click on a country to view sector-specific details and employment trends over recent years.

To all sailors, divers, surfers and water sports enthusiasts, enjoy boot 2025! 

Wish to learn more? 

  • Have a look at the boot 2025 website to read the latest news and see what is happening at the boat and water sports fair!
  • Explore the Blue Economy sectors indicators
  • Watch Euronews’ OCEAN series video, ‘An ocean of opportunities: the women transforming the blue economy, to learn about women driving innovation and growth in the blue economy; 
  • In 2024, the German Ocean Foundation hosted the Ocean Awareness Days. This 10-day event educated visitors about the Baltic Sea’s environment through interactive exhibits, research experiences, and guided beach walks, fostering awareness and engagement with marine conservation. Visitors were able to learn about the European Atlas of the Seas thanks to the German Ocean Foundation! Read the detailed report  for further information.

Access the map 

The data in the map are provided by the European Commission.

[1] https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/ocean/blue-economy_en