13/11/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 13 November, the European Parliament adopted its position on the directive on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (BBNJ). This legislation aims to transpose the international treaty on the high seas into concrete action at European level (see EUROPE 13735/7). The report by Michal Wiezik (Renew Europe, Slovak) was adopted with 454 votes in favour, 172 against and 19 abstentions. The text proposed and amended by the European Parliament establishes common rules for assessing the potential impacts of harmful activities at sea, protecting fragile marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable and equitable use of marine genetic resources. It also sets out clear procedures for the creation of marine protected areas and for cooperation with international partners. The European Parliament is ready to begin negotiations with the EU Council on the final text. See the European Parliament’s position: https://aeur.eu/f/jf7 (LC)