EU Unveils Ocean Pact to Restore Marine Ecosystems and Boost Coastal Economies
Overview
At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the EU Ocean Pact, a bold initiative to restore marine ecosystems and support coastal communities. The pact sets ambitious goals for ocean health, climate resilience, and maritime industry competitiveness by 2030.
Source: Oceana
A Pact for the Planet
Speaking at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the EU Ocean Pact, a sweeping initiative aimed at revitalizing Europe’s marine ecosystems and strengthening the maritime economy. The pact, adopted just days before the conference, reflects the EU’s growing commitment to ocean conservation as a pillar of its environmental and economic strategy.
Von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of the mission: “We will restore natural habitats and better protect our coasts from the impacts of climate change.”
Key Goals by 2030
The EU Ocean Pact outlines several ambitious targets:
Restore 20% of European marine ecosystems by 2030.
Halve plastic and nutrient pollution in the oceans within five years.
Strengthen coastal resilience against climate change.
Support small-scale fisheries with new subsidies and protections.
These goals are backed by a commitment to revise existing EU marine legislation and introduce new legal frameworks by 2027.
Investing in Innovation and Conservation
To turn vision into action, the EU is allocating €1 billion to fund 50 global projects focused on marine science and conservation. One-third of this funding will go directly to research and innovation, empowering scientists and environmentalists to develop sustainable solutions.
Von der Leyen also highlighted the challenges faced by Europe’s fishers, citing extreme weather and unfair competition. The pact includes measures to boost the competitiveness of the maritime sector, including a new strategy for EU ports.
Global Collaboration and the High Seas Treaty
The announcement comes as France hosts the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), bringing together over 60 countries to address ocean degradation. While the conference doesn’t produce binding agreements like the COP climate summits, it aims to rally support for the High Seas Treaty, which requires ratification by 60 nations to take effect.
The EU Ocean Pact marks a significant step in aligning environmental stewardship with economic resilience. By investing in marine restoration and supporting coastal communities, the EU is charting a course toward a healthier, more sustainable future for the oceans—and for the people who depend on them.
