North Sea Conference 2025

Date: 24/06/2025 6:00pm - 26/06/2025 7:00pm

Location: Oldenburg (Oldb), Lower Saxony, Germany.

This year’s conference brought together 200 participants to explore the theme of resilience. Discussions focused on how regional collaboration can strengthen resilience, foster sustainable growth, and ensure the region stays competitive and future-ready.

The programme included expert-led panels, insightful study visits, and valuable networking opportunities, giving participants fresh perspectives on how to navigate the challenges — and opportunities — of the road ahead.

Conference programme

Curious about the event programme? You can download the final conference agenda below.

View the final programme here

Images from the event

Enjoy the images from the event

Learn more about the event

Below you will find an overview of the activities that took place during the event, along with details about the inspiring speakers who presented over the course of the two days.

Autumn arrives on the banks of Oldenburg’s Hunte river

What went on?

June 24: During the evening reception invited speakers introduced participants to the city of Oldenburg and highlighted the importance of regional and international cooperation.

June 25: The morning plenary session offered inputs from the perspective of the North Sea projects, the CPMR North Sea Commission, North Sea Programme and academia. It also incorporated the award ceremony for the North Sea Video and Photo Contest 2025.

The afternoon was devoted to eight exciting study visits in Lower Saxony and Bremen. The day closed with a networking dinner and a project display showcasing North Sea projects.

June 26: In connection to the conference, The CPMR North Sea Commission also held different events on this day. NB: This day was only relevant for members of the CPMR North Sea Commission.

Walking and talking in Oldenburg city centre

Meet the moderator and speakers from the event

The North Sea Conference 2025 bought together voices from politics, academia, and practice to exchange ideas and address shared challenges in the region. With differing perspectives our speakers helped to inspire and shape conversations around resilience, sustainability, and regional competitiveness.

Check out the event moderator and speakers

Enjoying a winter walk in Oldenburg to celebrate the harvest of cabbage (Kohlfahrt)

Study visits

As part of the event, participants had the opportunity to dive into one of eight study visits in and around Oldenburg. Each experience offered a unique glimpse into how Interreg projects have supported development in the region and enabled economic, environmental and social resilience.

EWE Arena in Oldenburg, part of the Weser-Ems-Halle complex which hosted the evenings activites on 25 June

Project display

Twenty representatives from North Sea projects presented their work and shared valuable insights into how they are contributing to the region’s resilience journey. Delegates then had the opportunity to connect and network — not only with these projects, but also with fellow participants.

Who was behind the event?

The 2025 conference was a collaborative effort, hosted by:

Lower Saxony State Chancellery
Office for Regional Development Weser-Ems
The CPMR North Sea Commission, and
The Interreg North Sea Programme.

Supported by:
German Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building; Ministry for Building, Mobility and Urban Development; Free Hanseatic City of Bremen; Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg; Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Areas, European Affairs and Consumer Protection of Land Schleswig-Holstein; City of Oldenburg.