In this installment of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance interview campaign, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) André Franqueira Rodrigues shared his perspective on the importance of collaboration to achieve ocean priorities.
Brussels, the heart of EU policymaking, hosted the 2025 AAORIA Forum and its side events, enabling meaningful exchanges between the European Institutions and Forum participants. One clear example was the plenary session hosted by MEP Rodrigues, a member of the Committee on Fisheries (PECH), who welcomed the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) taking part in the 2025 Intergenerational Dialogue.
During the Intergenerational Dialogue, five ECOP groups, guided by their coaches and mentors, developed recommendations to decision-makers addressing key ocean issues, which were also presented to MEP Rodrigues at the European Parliament. This exchange of ideas illustrates how intergenerational knowledge-sharing can benefit all stakeholders. Regardless of age or experience, we are all working towards the same goal: a healthy ocean.
The Azores represent a success story in ocean stewardship. Today, the archipelago is recognised as a powerful protector of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is now home to the largest network of Marine Protected Areas in the North Atlantic. Born in the Azores, MEP Rodrigues is a strong advocate for ocean conservation. During the Forum, he shared his main priorities for the Atlantic Ocean: sustainable fisheries management, climate resilience, and stronger partnerships. Collaboration and cooperation are recurring themes explored throughout the interviews to the Atlantic Community, and they are essential to “defend the future of our common environment”, as MEP Rodrigues mentioned.
The Alliance plays a key role in bringing together countries along and across the Atlantic to address shared challenges. The 2025 AAORIA Forum celebrated a growing community, welcoming Ghana as its newest member. By fostering knowledge exchange, the Alliance strengthens collaboration and supports policymakers across the Atlantic in making well-informed and science-based decisions while advancing innovative solutions to today’s ocean challenges.
MEP Rodrigues concluded the interview with an important message for all ocean guardians: “Engage actively and defend our common ecosystem!”. The ECOP generation already plays a crucial role in protecting our environment and advocating for science-based policy.
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