NEWS: ASAP at the 16th Meeting of the REMPEC Focal Points: International Collaboration in Action

The 16th Meeting of the REMPEC Focal Points, held in Sliema, Malta from 13–15 May 2025, brought together representatives from across the Mediterranean to strengthen efforts to prevent and respond to marine pollution. Among the initiatives presented was the ASAP (Adriatic Sea Action Plan) project, which contributed to the event through the participation of the Central European Initiative – Executive Secretariat (CEI-ES) and core project partners including the Slovenian Maritime Administration, the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of Croatia, the Adriatic Training and Research Centre (ATRAC), and the associated partner from Montenegro, the Administration for Maritime Safety and Port Management.

The meeting served as a platform to discuss progress in implementing the Mediterranean Strategy for the prevention of marine pollution caused by ships—whether through accidents, illegal discharges, or emissions. Delegates examined ways to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and better prepare for emergencies at sea.

Representatives from Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and the Adriatic Training and Research Centre (ATRAC) joined CEI-ES in presenting the ongoing work of the ASAP project, which aligns closely with a new Adriatic Subregional Contingency Plan promoted by REMPEC. As part of its contribution, ASAP is currently advancing research and modeling activities to support joint preparedness in the region.

A key highlight of the discussion was the upcoming anti-pollution exercise planned for October 2, 2025, in Dubrovnik, organized within the framework of the ASAP project. This exercise will bring together multiple countries and institutions to test coordinated emergency responses to a simulated marine pollution event—enhancing readiness and reinforcing cooperation across borders.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of subregional contingency planning as a practical way to strengthen both national systems and international partnerships. Such collaborative efforts ensure that Mediterranean countries are better equipped to protect their shared sea.

Looking ahead, the outcomes of the Malta meeting will help shape decisions at future high-level gatherings, including the MAP Focal Points meeting in Greece (September 2025) and the COP24 of the Barcelona Convention in Egypt (December 2025).

Next year will also mark two significant anniversaries: 30 years of CEI-ES and 50 years of REMPEC, both institutions playing vital roles in fostering regional cooperation and environmental protection in the Mediterranean.