European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the EU's new Ocean Pact at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice on June 9, 2025. The pact aims to safeguard European coastlines and marine ecosystems. The core goals include restoring 20% of marine ecosystems by 2030 and reducing plastic and nutrient pollution by half within five years.
The European Commission adopted the pact on June 5, 2025. It focuses on strengthening ocean protection through several key strategies. These include reducing pollution, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and mitigating the effects of climate change. The EU is committed to significantly decreasing plastic waste and nutrient runoff into the sea.
The pact also addresses the challenges faced by fishermen, particularly small-scale operators. Von der Leyen highlighted the impact of weather conditions and unfair competition on these communities. To support sustainable fishing in vulnerable regions, the EU will provide grants. Additionally, the EU is investing €1 billion in 50 ocean protection projects, encompassing initiatives like restoring mangroves in Guyana, supporting fisheries in Tanzania, and protecting coral reefs and seagrass beds.