Network of European Blue Schools (NEBS)

Europe

Europe boasts the oldest and largest blue schools network with over 1600 members. The Network of European Blue Schools (NEBS), is an initiative funded by the European Commission, established in 2020, building on the example of Escola Azul in Portugal, which was established in 2017 the first national network. Currently, NEBS serves as the major regional coordinator and umbrella initiative for blue schools across Europe.

While NEBS focuses primarily on the 27 EU Member States, it also works with other European countries associated with the Horizon Europe programme, and has been a part of the Blue Schools Global Network since 2020.

Since 2026, the NEBS Secretariat has been developing collaborations with Escola Azul and emerging national networks in Spain, Italy, and Sweden. Escola Azul maintains its own certification system, aligned with European and global networks, while Spain, Italy, and Sweden are centrally certified by the NEBS Secretariat.

The Network of European Blue Schools (NEBS)

The Network of European Blue Schools (NEBS) is currently the largest blue school network globally, with more than 1 600 members from EU Member States and associated countries.

The concept of European Blue Schools evolved from extensive consultations with teachers and educators across Europe, drawing on their marine education expertise. It acknowledges the cultural and geographical diversity of school communities within the 27 EU Member States, and champions project-based learning and open schooling. The Network was inspired by the Portuguese Escola Azul, Europe's oldest national blue school network.

NEBS is one of the three pillars of the European Coalition for ocean literacy ((EU4Ocean), initiated and funded by the European Commission. The Coalition aims to unite Europe's ocean literacy voices and efforts to make the ocean a concern for everyone.

The NEBS model gives the freedom to develop tailor-made ocean and water-related projects for each classroom, allowing students and teachers to explore their own connection to the ocean and choose how they wish to learn about it. Projects are not only focused on science, they can also connect to art, literature, and other subjects. What matters is creating meaningful experiences that connect students with their environment and inspire responsibility for the ocean and its ecosystems. Through this approach, schools spark curiosity about marine and maritime topics while strengthening awareness and commitment to ocean protection among students. NEBS is also open to vocational education and training (VET) schools, helping to raise awareness about skills and career opportunities for young people in ocean-related sectors.

NEBS partners with various initiatives and programmes that support teachers and schools in developing such projects and implementing effective methodologies, allowing them to join the Network in a streamlined manner. Since 2026, the NEBS Secretariat has been developing collaborations with Escola Azul and emerging national networks in Spain, Italy, and Sweden, ensuring that all teachers and students bringing the ocean into their classrooms are well connected and supported as part of this vibrant pan-European community of educators.