The European Ocean Pact

Sustaining the ocean that sustains us

In June 2025, the European Union introduced the European Ocean Pact: a new framework designed to protect the ocean while strengthening Europe’s economy and security. Under the theme “Sustaining the ocean that sustains us,” the Pact recognises something simple but powerful: the ocean is not just an environmental issue. It is central to how we live, trade and grow.

The ocean covers more than 70% of the planet, holds around 80% of global biodiversity and produces roughly half of the oxygen we breathe. For Europe, it is also an economic backbone. About 74% of the EU’s external trade moves by sea, underwater cables carry 99% of global internet traffic, and the blue economy supports around five million jobs.

The Pact comes at a time of major change in global ocean governance. The adoption of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (BBNJ) and negotiations toward a Global Plastics Treaty show growing international momentum. At the same time, science is warning that ocean warming, biodiversity loss and acidification are accelerating. The EU is responding by strengthening its own policies while pushing for global cooperation. At its heart, the European Ocean Pact is about balance: protecting marine ecosystems while building a competitive and sustainable blue economy.

On the environmental side, the EU will review and update the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive to better manage competing uses of sea space: from offshore wind and shipping to fisheries and conservation. It also reinforces commitments under the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, including stronger marine protected areas and ecosystem restoration.

On the economic side, the Pact outlines a Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, supports blue carbon initiatives such as restoring coastal wetlands, and promotes strategies for ports, maritime industries and sustainable tourism. The message is clear: long-term competitiveness depends on healthy ecosystems.

Coastal communities and islands are also a key focus. Many face rising sea levels, erosion and economic pressures. The Pact proposes a Coastal Communities Resilience and Development Strategy and consultations toward a dedicated islands strategy — aiming to make sure no region is left behind in the green transition.

Security and innovation are part of the picture too. The EU plans to remove unexploded ordnance from its waters, deploy a pilot drone fleet for maritime surveillance, and strengthen ocean monitoring. A major step will be the rollout of the European Digital Twin of the Ocean by 2030: a digital model designed to improve decision-making through better data and forecasting.

Finally, the Pact reinforces the EU’s role in ocean diplomacy. From 2026, mandatory digital catch certification will strengthen action against illegal fishing, and the EU is pushing for swift ratification of international agreements like BBNJ and the future plastics treaty.

In short, the European Ocean Pact brings together environment, economy, security and diplomacy under one umbrella. It aligns closely with the broader ambitions of the European Green Deal and signals that ocean policy is now a strategic priority for Europe.

The real test will be implementation. But the direction is clear: protecting the ocean is no longer just about conservation: it is about resilience, prosperity and Europe’s long-term future.

At Ocean Community, we will do our best to participate and contribute to actionable results from this pact, moving it from Europe into the world!

One world. One Ocean. Oce Community - we should all be a part of one ocean freindly pact.