14/03/2025 (Agence Europe) – On 20 and 21 March, the European Council will invite the European Commission to present an “ambitious and forward-looking” ‘European Ocean Pact’ which, according to draft conclusions (https://aeur.eu/f/fxu ), will promote ocean health, energy and maritime security, sustainable fisheries and a sustainable and competitive blue economy in the EU, and contribute to global scientific knowledge and responsible ocean governance (see EUROPE 13574/16). In addition, the European Council is expected to discuss the United Nations Conference on the Oceans (Nice, 9-13 June) and to call for ratification of the agreement concluded under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ agreement) to be speeded up. (LC)