The European Commission has adopted a sweeping new strategy — the European Ocean Pact — aimed at restoring ocean health, strengthening the blue economy, and securing the long-term sustainability of Europe’s coastal communities. Announced on 5 June 2025, the Pact unifies all EU ocean policies under one framework and is set to be a centrepiece at the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.
Speaking in Brussels, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said:
“Ocean is water, water is life. That is why the European Ocean Pact is so important to us. This comprehensive strategy will protect the ocean and promote a sustainable blue economy. It will not only benefit the planet, but also the people who call the coast their home, and the generations who will steward our oceans tomorrow.”
Six Strategic Priorities Defined
The Pact focuses on six key areas:
1/. Ocean Health Restoration – Member States will be urged to rehabilitate degraded marine habitats and expand marine protected areas. A revised Marine Strategy Framework Directive is under development alongside updated maritime spatial planning rules.
2/. Boosting the Sustainable Blue Economy – A new Industrial Maritime Strategy and EU Ports Strategy are planned, alongside a forthcoming evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy. A long-term vision for EU fisheries and aquaculture is scheduled for 2026. The Commission also announced a Blue Generational Renewal Strategy to attract young professionals to marine careers.
3/. Backing Coastal, Island and Outermost Regions – The Commission will present dedicated strategies to support the development and resilience of Europe’s coastal and island communities, including a proposal to create European blue carbon reserves.
4/. Ocean Knowledge, Research and Innovation – The EU Ocean Observation Initiative and a new Research and Innovation Strategy will underpin the development of the European Digital Twin of the Ocean. A Youth Ambassador Network will engage younger generations in ocean protection.
5/. Maritime Security and Surveillance – The Commission plans to expand EU coast guard cooperation and will invest in a European drone fleet to improve real-time maritime monitoring. The strategy also includes clearing unexploded ordnance, starting in the Baltic and North Seas.
6/. Global Ocean Governance – The EU will intensify its campaign against illegal fishing, implementing a digitalised IUU catch certification system from 2026. Ocean diplomacy efforts will also focus on ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, supporting a global plastics agreement, and backing marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean.