Stakeholder Dialogue Event Environmental issues regarding the remediation and clearance of North Sea UXO and DMM

HOW CAN WE ADDRESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIETAL AND GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES POSED BY SUBMERGED MUNITIONS AND WARTIME WRECKS IN EUROPEAN SEAS?

I was pleased to participate in the REMARCO Stakeholder Dialogue Event on Environmental Issues Regarding the Remediation and Clearance of North Sea UXO and DMM, hosted by VLIZ in Oostende on June 4. The event brought together experts from science, government, industry and civil society to explore one of the most complex challenges facing the North Sea today: balancing environmental protection, food safety, cultural heritage, public safety and remediation efforts in areas affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO) and dumped military munitions.

The programme featured a series of inspiring keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive World Café sessions that encouraged open dialogue and knowledge exchange across disciplines and sectors.

A special thanks to the distinguished speakers and panellists, including representatives from national and regional administrations, scientific institutions, JPI Oceans and the European Commission, particularly DG MARE, for sharing their expertise and perspectives on monitoring, remediation, governance, legal frameworks and cultural heritage.

The discussions confirmed that UXO management is not simply a technical challenge. It requires evidence-based decision-making, stronger governance frameworks, international cooperation and a careful assessment of environmental and societal trade-offs.

Many thanks to: Maarten De Rijcke, Bram Sieben, Erik Hanstei, Julianne Bockwoldt, Sven van Haelst and Andrey Vedenin as well as to all participants who actively contributed to the discussions. Special appreciation goes to particularly to Noël Oppel and Tülin Fidan for their leadership in organising this valuable stakeholder dialogue and the whole VLIZ team for the excellent organisation and hospitality

Finally, many thanks to Karsten Seidel for expertly moderating the discussions and creating an open and constructive environment for exchange. Looking forward to continuing the collaboration and contributing to science-based and environmentally responsible solutions for marine munition management across Europe.