Regions play a central role in delivering the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”. As part of the wider support framework for regions, the use of Cooperation Working Arrangements (CWAs) is being piloted to deepen collaboration with regions.
For the pilot phase, three regions have signed CWAs with the European Commission’s DG Research and Innovation: Emilia-Romagna, Sicily and Piemonte.
The goal of the CWAs is to foster synergies by linking regional funding managed by the regions, such as those from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund Plus, with the Mission Ocean and Waters work programme.
This non-binding framework for strategic cooperation highlights the shared commitment between the regions and the Commission to achieve the Mission’s key objectives.
The effectiveness of the pilot CWAs will be reviewed in Q1 2027 and the decision on whether to expand this programme will made and communicated following that review.
