Exploring innovation and sustainability: College of Europe students visit Ostend

On Tuesday, 14 January 2025, students from the European Economic Studies Department of the College of Europe enjoyed a day trip to the city of Ostend in the province of West Flanders. The visit was organized and funded by Provincie West-Vlaanderen and their Europa Direct team.

The day began at the Blue Energy Park of Een provinciaal agentschap met een hart voor de… | POM West-Vlaanderen in Ostend, where students engaged in talks on the importance of the "blue economy" in West Flanders, as well as the transformative wind energy projects that have been built along the Belgian coast over the last 15 years. These projects have turned the Port of Ostend into a vital hub for wind farm shipping and construction. Speakers also emphasized the key role of EU regional and innovation funding in supporting West Flanders’ green energy initiatives and sustainable development.

The students also had the chance to visit one of the innovative companies that are hosted at the Blue Energy Park, Droprise, a drone reseller for enterprise clients, as well as “The Reef”, a state-of-the-art VR and AR training lab for offshore energy sector workers.

The day continued with a walking tour of Ostend's port and city landmarks, showcasing the region’s historical and environmental significance. Students discovered key sites such as the Napoleonic fort and WW1 and WW2 defense systems, as well as old fishing boats and facilities that connect the city’s rich maritime heritage with its present-day activities. The group also explored climate adaptation measures implemented in Ostend, including a newly completed rainwater collection system funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This visit offered a valuable opportunity for students to connect their academic studies with real-world examples of sustainability, innovation, and EU-supported regional development.