EU Launches European Ocean Pact: A Unified Vision for Ocean Protection and Blue Economy Growth
By Blue Economy Insights
The European Commission has adopted a landmark initiative: the European Ocean Pact.
This unified strategy aims to safeguard ocean health, promote a resilient and competitive blue economy, and ensure the long-term wellbeing of coastal, island, and outermost communities across the European Union. Bringing together various EU ocean policies into a single framework, the Pact addresses growing threats to marine ecosystems and supports innovation, maritime security, and international cooperation. Set to be formally presented at the UN Ocean Conference on June 9, the Pact marks a significant shift toward a more coordinated and ambitious ocean governance model.
The Pact is organized around six core priorities. These include restoring degraded coastal and marine habitats, revising key maritime directives, and expanding marine protected areas. The Commission also aims to strengthen the EU’s maritime economy through a new Industrial Maritime Strategy, an updated Ports Strategy, and a forward-looking plan for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Community resilience is another pillar, with tailored strategies for coastal areas, islands, and outermost regions, alongside a proposal to establish European blue carbon reserves. Advancing ocean research, skills, and innovation remains central, with the development of a European Digital Twin of the Ocean and the launch of an EU Ocean Youth Ambassador Network to engage young advocates.
To support these goals, the Commission will introduce an Ocean Act by 2027, designed to streamline implementation and cut regulatory complexity. A high-level Ocean Board will coordinate progress, and a public-facing Ocean Pact dashboard will ensure transparency and accountability. With added focus on maritime security, international diplomacy, and the fight against illegal fishing, the European Ocean Pact is poised to establish the EU as a global leader in sustainable ocean stewardship.
