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across functions; we seek synergies and collaboration across borders. One such collaboration activity is the Multipurpose Maritime Operations (MMOs) concept. These are joint maritime missions involving multiple Member States that aim to enhance maritime situational awareness, enforce regulations, protect the marine environment, build capacity, and improve cross-border cooperation among participating Member States. In 2026, four planned MMOs involve 13 countries across Europe.What message would you give to the younger generation about the importance of maritime safety, and how can young professionals become more involved in shaping the future of safer and more sustainable shipping through organisations like the EMSA?Maritime safety is not an abstract concept. It is about people%u2019s lives, the health of our oceans, and the backbone of global trade. Protecting the sea means protecting our future.Shipping offers a sea of opportunities for the younger generation. Although it is often an industry that remains %u201cinvisible%u201d to non-specialist audiences, it has a real impact on our daily lives. In moments of crisis, everybody recognises how essential it is %u2014 as we saw during the COVID19 pandemic and, more recently, in the crisis affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Embracing a career in the maritime sector means the opportunity to make a difference. Whether you are a technical professional, a lawyer, or an analyst, you can apply your knowledge in a sector that is dynamic and forward-looking.Our Agency is a micro-world where different profiles can fit well. The success of our traineeship programme among young graduates confirms that many young, motivated professionals see the maritime sector as a promising career pathway.This diversity of talent and perspectives is essential to keeping the maritime sector innovative, resilient, and well-equipped to meet the challenges it faces. It is this human capital that will continue to drive its evolution in the years to come.What priorities will guide the EMSA%u2019s strategy in the coming years?The priorities shaping the future direction of the EMSA are closely aligned with the EU%u2019s broader policy framework %u2014 particularly the EU Maritime Security Strategy, the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy, and the EU Ports Strategy.Our mandate has recently been revised to reflect the evolving context of shipping and the Agency%u2019s role as a technical body alongside the European Commission and the EU Member States, as well as a multi-domain maritime capability hub. In this capacity, we integrate maritime safety, environmental sustainability, decarbonisation, maritime security and cybersecurity, maritime surveillance, and maritime crises, as well as digitalisation and simplification, into a single, coherent system.The challenges arising from the current geopolitical context will make the maritime situational awareness provided by the EMSA increasingly crucial for supporting decision-makers in what is likely to remain an unpredictable environment.In a more complex risk landscape and an evolving regulatory framework, the Agency will step up its efforts to support safer, smarter, and greener shipping, acting as a facilitator, knowledge hub, and service provider.Looking ahead, the EMSA will continue to adapt, innovate, and strengthen its role to ensure that Europe%u2019s maritime domain remains secure, sustainable, resilient, and competitive in addressing future challenges.Maritime safety94 NX