The EU4Ocean Call for Collective Action on the Challenge of the Year has come to an end, and the winners have been selected.
The three winning projects will each receive financial support of up to €20,000. Over the coming year, the winners will work on implementing their projects with guidance from the EU4Ocean Coalition.
The proposals were evaluated based on the four key principles of the EU4Ocean Coalition and the operational feasibility of each idea. The selection process was led by the Secretariat of the EU4Ocean Coalition and supported by the Coalition’s Advisory Board.
The winners
DigiBlue
About the project: DigiBlue is a cross-Baltic initiative that uses digital storytelling to promote ocean literacy and civic engagement. The project brings together young people, experts, educators, creatives, and NGOs from Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland to co-create stories exploring marine and freshwater sustainability.
Through local hackathons and mentoring, participants will develop digital narratives that connect local context, science, environmental challenges, and civic engagement.
The stories will be showcased in public exhibitions and shared as open-access educational resources. The project builds on the DigiEduHack format and is supported by scientific guidance from the University of Copenhagen and other experts across the Baltic Sea. By combining creativity with community participation, DigiBlue aims to strengthen Blue Citizenship and foster long-term collaboration across the region.
Plankton and Popcorn
About the project: The German podcast Wellenbrecher is known for its interview-focused format, but now it is going on tour. Starting in late September, Plankton & Popcorn will launch ocean-themed film nights featuring documentaries and panel discussions at ten universities in Switzerland, followed by Austria and Germany.
H2ϴ Lounge – Blue Citizenship Edition
About the project: H2ϴ Lounge – Blue Citizenship Edition is a travelling civic installation that transforms public spaces into hubs of ocean literacy and democratic action. In five regions across Europe, citizens will co-create algae-dyed Blue Citizenship Flags and submit collective pledges to the EU Mission Charter.
Through marine-based materials, storytelling, and public rituals, the H2ϴ Lounge empowers communities to strengthen their connection to water. Each flag will remain on display as a visible sign of civic commitment, linking design, education, and local action. A digital showcase and open-source toolkit will help others replicate the concept across Europe and beyond.
