We are thrilled to share some fantastic news from Athens! The Reconnect project has been awarded First Place in the Marketplace Village Awards competition at the 9th Edition of Circle the Med – The Mediterranean Forum, held at the Piraeus Sailing Club from May 19 – 21, 2026.
Focusing on the theme “A New Pact for a Sustainable Mediterranean Future,” this prestigious hybrid event brought together regional leaders, researchers, and innovators dedicated to driving the green transition, climate neutrality, and the circular economy across the Mediterranean.
New Opportunities for SMEs in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Craft Sectors
As part of the forum’s Marketplace Village, several Interreg Euro-MED projects operating in the blue sector presented their posters, pitching their vision and methodologies to a highly engaged audience of stakeholders.
The Reconnect project’s mission to foster industrial symbiosis, circularity, and sustainable practices within the Mediterranean aquaculture and fisheries sectors resonated deeply with attendees. Thanks to an overwhelming show of support, Reconnect captured the attention of the forum, securing 69 votes to take home the coveted first prize!
“This award belongs to the entire Reconnect consortium. It is a powerful validation that our collective efforts to build a sustainable, resilient blue economy are hitting the mark with the people who matter most – the regional communities and businesses driving change on the ground.”
The Team on the Ground
A massive thank you and congratulations go out to the fantastic team who represented Reconnect so passionately throughout the three-day event, engaging with visitors, answering technical questions, and bringing our project’s vision to life:
- Chiara Remundos (T2I)
- Thanos Kouletsos (CERTH)
- Angeliki Zigra (CERTH)
- Anastasia Sakoula (KiNNO)
- Christina Dolianidi (KiNNO)
Their exceptional work in presenting the project’s milestones and engaging with the Mediterranean blue economy community made this milestone victory possible.
This recognition gives the Reconnect team incredible momentum as we continue our work to bridge scientific innovation with sustainable regional development. Stay tuned to our webpage and social media channels for more updates, upcoming workshops, and insights from our ongoing pilot initiatives!
