The European Union announced on Wednesday 17 June a commitment of €338.35 million for ocean protection, sustainable fisheries and maritime security, at the Our Ocean 2026 conference held in Mombasa, Kenya.
The funds will be directed towards several priorities, including strengthening the Global Ocean Observing System and improving science-based marine policies through the OceanEye initiative (see EUROPE 13880/13).
A significant share of the funding is also intended to strengthen maritime security, particularly in areas of the southern Red Sea, the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden, which are facing risks of piracy and insecurity.
In addition, the EU intends to support the development of a sustainable blue economy in Africa, notably through partnerships and the BlueInvest Africa programme. Combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is also among the main strands of the European commitment. Action is also planned to reduce marine pollution. The European Union will also finance the extension of marine protected areas and increased knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)