The third AQUASERV Annual Meeting and General Assembly provided an important opportunity for the consortium to assess the project's progress, align priorities and coordinate the next steps towards delivering its objectives. Held on 28–29 April 2026 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the meeting brought together partners from across Europe for two days of strategic discussions, technical sessions and collaborative planning.

The meeting opened with an overview of the project's progress presented by Project Coordinator Adelino Canário (CCMAR), who highlighted AQUASERV's achievements to date, including the higher-than-expected number of applications received through the project's funded access programme. Participants also received a preview of the upcoming AQUASERV Virtual Conference, scheduled for next autumn, with further details to be announced in the coming months.

Throughout the first day, partners reviewed progress across the project's work packages, covering communication and outreach, open science and data management, stakeholder engagement, training activities, long-term sustainability and access management. The discussions provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, address ongoing challenges and ensure alignment on upcoming milestones. Particular emphasis was placed on continuously improving AQUASERV's service offer to better respond to user needs and support scientific excellence.

The second day focused on practical and forward-looking topics, including data management practices, research ethics and responsibility, and strategies for attracting new users to AQUASERV's research infrastructures. Interactive sessions encouraged knowledge exchange between partners while identifying opportunities to further enhance access to the consortium's facilities and services.

The meeting concluded with the General Assembly, where consortium representatives reviewed the project's progress, discussed strategic priorities and reinforced the collective commitment to delivering AQUASERV's objectives over the coming months.

The meeting reaffirmed the strength of the consortium and the importance of continued collaboration in advancing research infrastructures for sustainable aquaculture, fisheries and the blue economy across Europe.