The North Sea, barely 3,454 km² in size, may look like a blue patch on the map, but in reality, it is a gateway to trade, energy, knowledge, and nature. It nourishes us, protects us from storm surges, and connects us to the world. At the same time, it demands vision, cooperation, and leadership. It is no coincidence that Governor Carl Decaluwé called it in his speech “our eleventh province”: a province without a town hall, but full of activity and significance.
The North Sea is Belgium’s largest natural area and a cornerstone of our economy. From Zeebrugge to Ostend, the cables of the future intersect with the traces of our past. But this sea is far from empty: with more than 150,000 ship movements per year, it is among the busiest in the world. Shipping, fishing, wind farms, sand extraction, military exercises, and aquaculture compete for space on barely 0.5% of the entire North Sea. This makes marine spatial planning crucial.
Belgium is a pioneer in marine spatial policy, with a legally anchored plan since 2014. Yet determination remains essential. Storm Eunice in 2022 showed how vulnerable we are: a ship carrying explosive cargo came within 100 meters of a wind turbine, while no tugboat was available. Safety at sea is not a luxury but a necessity. Investing in rescue capacity, enforcement, and technology is vital to protect people, nature, and the economy.
The North Sea is also the beating heart of Europe’s energy transition. Offshore wind, international connections, and shared networks make West Flanders a driving force of the blue economy. Ports such as Zeebrugge and Ostend are hubs for trade, innovation, and green energy. Companies are investing in hydrogen, aquaculture, and circular shipbuilding. Every euro we invest in the North Sea yields more than two euros in social and ecological benefits.
Beyond economy and energy, marine research is key to future policy. Belgium has a rich tradition, with institutions such as VLIZ, ILVO, and POM collaborating in a powerful innovation network. Test platforms, drones, and underwater robots turn our sea into a living lab. Yet delays loom, as shown by the legal dispute over the research vessel Belgica II. Without knowledge, we sail blind, the governor stresses.
Climate change poses another challenge. Sea levels are rising faster than expected: by 2100, possibly up to 3 meters. The Coastal Vision offers a long-term protection plan but risks bogging down in delays and indecision. Governor Decaluwé calls for decisiveness and structural investments, because “the sea does not wait.”
Finally, cooperation is the common thread. Governments, research institutions, businesses, and citizens must keep course together. The North Sea is not a peripheral zone but a core area of energy, economy, and ecology. With science as our compass and innovation as our sail, West Flanders can strengthen its position as Europe’s maritime gateway. As the governor concludes: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what it was built for. Let’s dare to set sail.”
