EMSA hosts ECGFF thematic workshop on evolving maritime challenges

On 11-12 February, EMSA hosted the first thematic workshop of the European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF) programme for 2026 at its premises in Lisbon. Organised in conjunction with the Italian Chairmanship of the ECGFF, the workshop provided a forum to exchange perspectives and strengthen trust-based cooperation on coast guard functions.

Entitled “Maritime challenges: from addressing geopolitical shifts to capacity building in support of coast guard operations”, the one-and-a-half-day event brought together representatives from Member State administrations with coast guard responsibilities, the European Commission, ESA, EMSA, EFCA and Frontex to discuss current and emerging challenges in the maritime domain and their implications across Europe.

The programme addressed a range of topics shaping today’s maritime operating environment, including geopolitical developments and hybrid threats, the decarbonisation of maritime transport, the use of advanced technologies for maritime surveillance, and the growing importance of capacity building and training.

An opening panel set the scene by inviting panellists to outline key maritime challenges, the actions being taken at national and European level, and lessons learned that could be shared more widely. Speakers included representatives from the European Commission (DG MOVE), national maritime and transport administrations, and coast guard authorities.

Subsequent panels examined the operational and safety implications of maritime decarbonisation, as well as  the opportunities and challenges linked to maritime surveillance technologies. Bringing together Member State authorities, EU Agencies, and training and technical experts, the discussions highlighted the value of combining operational, regulatory and technical perspectives.

Dedicated sessions highlighted how EMSA, EFCA, and Frontex support national authorities within their respective mandates. Presentations covered surveillance services, underwater and aerial capabilities, and multipurpose maritime operations, placing agency support in the wider context of joint European efforts alongside national initiatives.

The workshop concluded with a session on capacity building, focusing on trainer development and the use of e-learning and blended learning solutions as enablers of consistent, inclusive and sustainable training across administrations.