On Monday 20 January, the European Commission launched a call for contributions to help it prepare the ‘European Oceans Pact’.
Announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the ‘European Oceans Pact’ (published in the form of a Communication) aims to maintain a healthy, resilient and productive ocean, promote a sustainable and competitive blue economy and work towards a comprehensive agenda for marine knowledge, research and innovation (see EUROPE 13519/2).
Interested parties have until 17 February to give their opinion. The feedback gathered will be used to shape the ‘European Oceans Pact’, which the Commission intends to present before the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025.
The ‘European Oceans Pact’ is “essential to support coastal communities and rural communities that depend on the ocean”, according to the consultation document. It will aim to address urgent issues such as the triple planetary crisis, competition for marine space, economic competitiveness, fisheries and aquaculture management.
Its international dimension will aim to maintain and strengthen the EU’s global leadership in protecting and restoring the marine environment, to ensure a level playing field, to uphold social standards, and to continue promoting an international ocean governance system based on international law (for example, the UN Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, or BBNJ).
To see the European Oceans Pact Consultation: https://aeur.eu/f/f4i (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)