On September 6, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a significant new ocean pact during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, aimed at rejuvenating Europe’s coastal and marine ecosystems. This ambitious initiative sets a target to restore 20% of the continent’s marine ecosystems by the year 2030. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, von der Leyen revealed plans to reduce plastic and nutrient pollution by half within the next five years. Furthermore, the pact focuses on restoring natural habitats and improving coastal resilience to the impacts of climate change, particularly as these changes threaten marine biodiversity and the livelihoods dependent on it.
The European Commission formalized this pact on Thursday prior to the conference, highlighting its dual objectives: enhancing ocean protection while concurrently supporting member states in revising pertinent European legislation. This proactive approach pushes for comprehensive reforms within the maritime sector, aiming to fortify the EU’s competitiveness in the maritime industry alongside the implementation of a new strategy for EU ports. Von der Leyen acknowledged the challenges faced by fishermen due to extreme weather conditions and unfair competition, announcing new grants specifically designed to support small-scale fisheries, which have struggled to survive amidst these adversities.
Amid these developments, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice gathered representatives from around 60 countries, creating a collaborative platform focused on safeguarding and restoring oceanic spaces that have suffered from human activities. Unlike prior United Nations climate conferences, the UNOC3 does not facilitate formal agreement negotiations. However, it serves as a crucial opportunity to rally international support for the High Seas Treaty, which requires ratification from 60 countries to become effective. This treaty is aimed at establishing protected marine areas in international waters, representing a major step towards global marine conservation.
As the conference progressed, von der Leyen highlighted advancements towards the treaty’s ratification, indicating that they are “inches away” from securing the essential 60 signatures needed. She underscored the urgency of the matter by urging countries to expedite the ratification process, reiterating that the health of the oceans directly impacts our planet. Alongside advocacy for the treaty, she announced a commitment of €40 million towards the Global Ocean program, which seeks to bolster ocean protection efforts particularly in least developed nations.
In addition to commitments toward marine conservation, the pact outlines the intention to facilitate specific legislation that will be proposed by 2027, reinforcing the EU’s long-term commitment to ocean health and sustainability. The strategic emphasis on restoring marine ecosystems is designed not only for environmental benefits but also aims to create a thriving framework for the maritime industry and those who depend on its resources. By fostering collaboration among member states and beyond, the EU envisions a united approach to tackle the pressing challenges facing marine environments.
Overall, the initiatives presented during the conference represent a landmark effort to reverse years of environmental degradation in marine ecosystems and restore the balance of coastal environments. The balance between regulatory reform for improved sustainability and support for industries like fishing is pivotal in realizing these ambitious goals. With collective action and robust financial commitments, the EU hopes to lead by example in the global movement towards more sustainable and equitable use of oceanic resources.
