Comission adopts Ocean European pact for Ocean
On 5 June 2025, the European Commission adopted the European Ocean Pact, an initiative to reinforce the EU’s commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and supporting the blue economy.
The European Ocean Pact unifies the European Union’s ocean-related policies and actions into a coordinated strategy for sustainable ocean management.
six priorities are adressed:
- Restoring ocean health and productivity
- Boosting the sustainable competitiveness of the blue economy
- Supporting coastal and island communities
- Advancing ocean research, knowledge, and innovation
- Enhancing maritime security and resilience
- Strengthening EU Ocean diplomacy and international ocean governance
The EU wants to strengthen the fight against illegal fishing. A digital catch certification system (IT Catch) will become mandatory for fish imports into the EU starting in January 2026. The Commission also plans to present a 'long-term vision' for fisheries and aquaculture in 2026.
With its new strategy, the European Union promises to pay special attention to small-scale fishers and vulnerable coastal communities.
The European Ocean Pact will be complemented by an Ocean Law by 2027, which will help ensure the implementation of the Pact's priorities. A dashboard for the European Ocean Pact will be used to monitor progress.
