On February 16th 2026, REFEST was proudly represented in Brussels at the CINEA Feedback to Policy Workshop on Energy Transition of the Fisheries Sector & Maritime Decarbonisation, with Project Coordinator Vasilij Djackov presenting the project’s contribution to sustainable maritime innovation.

The workshop brought together projects funded under different European programmes, creating a valuable cross-programme and cross-policy dialogue with several Directorates-General of the European Commission. The initiative aimed to transform research, innovation, and demonstration results into actionable policy insights capable of supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and decarbonised maritime sector.

During the event, REFEST showcased its work in supporting the energy transition of small-scale fisheries through practical and scalable solutions designed to accelerate maritime decarbonisation while strengthening resilience and sustainability across coastal communities.

The participation in this high-level workshop highlighted REFEST’s growing role in bridging innovation and policymaking, contributing concrete expertise to Europe’s green transition objectives within the fisheries and maritime sectors.