European Commission Unveils European Ocean Pact at UN Conference

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has introduced the European Ocean Pact at the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to protect the long-term health of the world’s oceans by promoting stronger international cooperation and innovative ocean governance.

Key Initiatives

The European Union has taken several concrete actions to support the goals of the European Ocean Pact:

• The EU, along with multiple Member States, ratified the Treaty of the High Seas on 28 May in New York, marking a significant step towards ocean protection.
• The EU is leading efforts to implement the BBNJ Agreement and has revitalized the High-Ambition Coalition to garner global support for the treaty.
• A €40 million Global Ocean Programme has been launched to assist partner countries in ratifying and implementing the BBNJ Agreement.
• The EU has allocated nearly €1 million to support the International Platform on Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) to establish a robust science-policy interface.

Commitments and Investments

The EU has pledged over €1 billion in voluntary commitments, with a focus on science and innovation. These commitments extend beyond Europe, with projects in developing countries also included. Around one third of the financial commitments are dedicated to advancing knowledge on the ocean and supporting sustainable practices.

Advancing Ocean Knowledge

The EU is committed to enhancing ocean knowledge and accessibility for various stakeholders. This includes developing an Ocean Observation initiative and creating the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, a digital representation of the ocean ecosystem.

The European Ocean Pact represents a significant step towards safeguarding the health of our oceans and promoting sustainable ocean governance on a global scale. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, the EU is leading the way in protecting this vital resource for future generations.