On Tuesday 16 April, the think tank Europe Jacques Delors and the Oceano Azul foundation published a ‘Manifesto for a European Ocean Pact’ containing recommendations for a plan to bridge the EU’s ocean strategy deficit.
This initiative aims to improve the governance, sustainability and competitiveness of the EU’s oceans.
The document recommends measures to “revitalise the European shipbuilding sector in alignment with a comprehensive European plan to decarbonise the maritime transport industry”, as well as the development of wind farms (floating platforms that can be combined with innovative forms of aquaculture).
Support for emerging renewable marine energies (tidal energy, wave energy) and floating solar panels is also recommended.
Environmental measures are proposed, such as the restoration of inland and ground waters, the reduction of marine litter (binding measures) and the eradication of marine and freshwater pollution from other land-based sources (agricultural runoff, industrial discharges and sewage).
Link to manifesto: https://aeur.eu/f/bs1 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)