Many of the global challenges we face are closely linked to our seas, waters and oceans and their ecosystems: climate regulation, food security, the supply of medicines, new sources of clean energy, job creation, resilience and competitiveness, inclusive growth and cohesion, security and strategic autonomy.

The European Union has the world’s largest Exclusive Economic Zone and is the second-largest global market for fishery and aquaculture products. Beyond the traditional fishing sector, our blue economy includes some of the most dynamic economic sectors — renewable energy, aquaculture, blue technology and ocean observation, blue biotechnology, maritime transport, coastal and maritime tourism, and port and shipping services.

At the same time, the fragmentation of policies, the increasing use of maritime space, and the growing demand for marine resources highlight the need for cohesive action in ocean governance.

In this context, the European Commission is preparing to present, at the beginning of June, the European Pact for the Oceans — an initiative aimed at becoming a single reference framework for all EU policies related to the oceans.

The Pact was announced by the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in her political guidelines for 2024–2029 and in the mission letter addressed to Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans (PECH).

In February, PECH held an exchange of views with the Commissioner on forthcoming initiatives, including the Pact. In his speech, the Commissioner referred to the Baltic Sea as the most striking example of the urgent need for a more coherent political approach.

During the European Ocean Days — a week-long annual event held in early March — the Commission highlighted five “strategic pillars” of the future Pact: i) ensuring a healthy and productive ocean through biodiversity protection; ii) boosting the EU’s sustainable blue economy; iii) expanding the EU’s marine knowledge base; iv) strengthening international ocean governance; and v) enhancing resilience and opportunities for coastal communities and cities.

The Pact will be presented on the eve of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, and stems from the European Green Deal and the ambition for a sustainable blue economy.

Externally, the Pact is expected to contribute to meeting the international commitments undertaken by the Union, enabling greater EU leadership at the global level within the framework of the United Nations 2030 sustainability agenda.

Our team is at your disposal for further information.