CONMAR was represented by Torsten Frey and Daniela Henkel in Limassol, Cyprus, on 21–22 May 2026, where they joined policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders from the maritime sector to address the pressing challenge of underwater munitions in European seas. Together with the EU-funded partner projects CAMMera and MMinE-SwEEPER, CONMAR organised the workshop Towards an EU-wide Strategy on Munition Clearance. The event brought together leading European experts to discuss the latest scientific findings, technological innovations, and policy developments that are shaping future strategies for the management and clearance of underwater munitions across Europe. The panel discussion featured Agnieszka Jędruch (IO PAN), Torsten Frey (GEOMAR), and Paola Renzi (ISPRA), and was moderated by Paul Trautendorfer (JPI Oceans). Additional insights were provided by Christos Economou, Head of Unit and Deputy Director at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), who outlined the Commission’s ongoing work towards the development of a future EU strategy for addressing underwater munitions and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Alongside the workshop, the participating projects presented their activities at a joint information booth dedicated to underwater munitions. The stand offered an excellent opportunity to engage with visitors, exchange knowledge, and raise awareness of the environmental and safety risks posed by submerged munitions. The two days in Limassol provided a valuable forum for discussing this important issue at the European level and highlighted the importance of close European cooperation in tackling this complex environmental and societal challenge. The strong German presence at the event further emphasized Germany’s leading role in underwater munitions research at both the European and international levels.
