(ANSA) - UDINE - The aim of the European research project ''iBlue'', coordinated by the University of Udine, is to improve the competitiveness of the yachting sector in the Mediterranean Sea, in accordance with the principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability. The project is co-funded with approximately 1.9 million euro from the EU, under the Interreg Med program. With a total budget of about 2.2 million euro, the project will be carried out for three years by a consortium made up of 10 European partners, including development agencies, small and medium enterprises, public institutions and universities from nine countries: Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain. ''IBlue'', short for ''Blue Investing in Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness through 3-Pillar Business'', will involve, as for the University of Udine, two departments: Polytechnic of engineering and architecture and Economic and statistical sciences. (ANSA).