EUROPEAN COMMISSION:Maritime Affairs and Fisheries,update

 

18 June 2025   Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Newsletter

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In this issue Foreword   News   OCEAN by Euronews   Stories of the month   Map of the month   Events   Have your say   Funding opportunities   Publications and studies

Foreword

Dear readers, As we flip the calendar to another exciting month, I feel so delighted and proud with the fantastic milestones we've achieved and the adventures yet to come.  I’m absolutely thrilled to share that the European Ocean Pact has been officially adopted!  It was presented by President von der Leyen in Nice during the 3rd UN Ocean Conference with speeches delivered by President Antonio Costa and President Macron, host of the UNOC Conference, as well as from Commissioner Kadis, in the presence and participation of Commissioner Tzitzikostas, many Presidents, Prime Ministers and Ministers from our EU Member States and MEPs - distinguished representatives of the global ocean community.   This Pact is a pivotal moment in our journey to safeguard our ocean and boost a sustainable blue economy that spans across the globe.   During the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, the EU once again affirmed its position of a global leader with unwavering dedication to ocean governance and international cooperation. Key commitments include the launch of a €40 million EU Global Ocean Programme aimed at supporting developing countries in ratifying and implementing the BBNJ Agreement and the establishment of an International Platform on Ocean Sustainability (IPOS), supported by nearly €1 million from the EU.  Additionally, the Commission recently adopted its 2025 communication on sustainable fishing in the EU. We are witnessing signs of recovery in EU fish populations, but continued efforts are required as key species remain under pressure. I warmly invite you to take part in the consultation on the fishing opportunities for 2026.  Earlier this month, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional political agreement to amend the existing measures on non-sustainable fishing practices on shared fish stocks of common interest. This is an important step that strengthens the EU’s toolbox to promote the sustainable management of fisheries beyond the EU, and to take firm action against non-sustainable fishing by non-EU countries.  Together, we're not just imagining the future; we're making it happen, one bold step at a time. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your energy fuels our mission, and your enthusiasm drives us forward.  Warm regards,  Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General  Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries @vitcheva_eu

News

EU commits to ocean action and presents European Ocean Pact at the third UN Ocean Conference At the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is presenting the European Ocean Pact, a landmark initiative aimed at safeguarding the long-term health of the world’s ocean.   more     Commission adopts European Ocean Pact for a healthy ocean, a competitive blue economy and thriving coastal communities The European Commission has adopted a European Ocean Pact, a comprehensive strategy to better protect the ocean, promote a thriving blue economy and support the well-being of people living in coastal areas.   more     EU leads global efforts to protect high seas biodiversity with landmark Treaty ratification The EU has ratified the landmark Treaty of the High Seas to protect the ocean, tackle environmental degradation, fight climate change, and prevent biodiversity loss.   more     EU fish populations show signs of recovery, but more efforts needed as key species struggle The overall sustainability of the EU fisheries continues improving with more fish stocks being fished at sustainable levels. Climate change continues to affect fishing communities, reducing fish stocks they depend on for their livelihood, leading to economic uncertainty.   more     Commission welcomes landmark agreement to combat non-sustainable fishing practices on fish stocks of common interest by non-EU countries The Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council to amend the existing measures on non-sustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries on shared fish stocks of common interest.   more     European Union and Côte d’Ivoire renew their sustainable fisheries partnership The EU and Côte d’Ivoire signed today a protocol that resumes – after nearly a year – their cooperation under the fisheries partnership agreement.   more     Mission Ocean and Waters: Over 1,000 initiatives to protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems The EU Mission Ocean and Waters celebrates an important milestone. Since its launch in 2022, the Mission Ocean Charter has reached an impressive number of over 1000 actions for the ocean. In total, these actions coming from individuals and organisations have mobilised more than €8 billion.   more     Commission publishes 2025 report on EU blue economy The European Commission has published its 2025 EU Blue Economy Report. The report presents the economic performance of the EU blue economy sectors and provides estimations of their economic performance.    more     Commission launches strategy to enhance water security for people, economy and environment The Commission has adopted the European Water Resilience Strategy aiming at restoring and protecting the water cycle, securing clean and affordable water for all and creating a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water-economy in Europe.   more     New EU strategy for secure, prosperous and resilient Black Sea region The EU is putting forward a new strategy for a stable and secure Black Sea region. This strategy aims to boost connections and growth, by linking Europe with the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond.   more

OCEAN by Euronews

Euronews OCEAN Season 7, Episode 5 - Wind turbines innovation   Europe needs to secure its energy future, and offshore renewables are set to play a key role. The EU member states aim to increase offshore power capacity 18-fold by 2050.  But getting there won’t be simple: the sector faces some big challenges.    more

Stories of the month

European Maritime Day 2025: Showcasing innovation driving the blue economy forward Around 1,200 maritime stakeholders gathered last week in Cork for the 2025 edition of European Maritime Day (EMD). Organised annually by the European Commission in a different maritime city, EMD is the key forum to shape and debate the future of Europe’s sustainable blue economy. The event featured workshops, networking sessions, side events, and award ceremonies.   more     Algae: Small Organisms, Big Potential – A decade of EU support driving innovation Algae may be small, but their potential is huge. From sustainable food to marine restoration and bioplastics, algae offer innovative solutions that benefit both people and planet.   more     Indico Capital Partners & BlueInvest: harnessing the ocean’s potential As the climate crisis worsens, the ocean is both at risk and a source for solutions. Indico Capital Partners, a venture capital firm from Lisbon, is championing ocean-based innovation and develops it on a global scale.   more     KOASTAL currents: A new wave in sustainable seaweed farming Thanks to EU support, the Swedish start-up company KOASTAL is testing an innovative business model for large scale sustainable sugar kelp cultivation on the west coast of Sweden. The idea is to create a franchise concept where small-scale players, including fishers, will be assisted with everything   more

Map of the month

Offshore wind energy The expansion of offshore wind energy can reduce our CO2 emissions, and safeguard Europe’s competitiveness and energy supply security. Explore the map of the month to discover the locations and operational statuses of offshore wind farms scattered across European waters.   more

Events

EU Arctic Forum, Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue and Arctic Youth Dialogue date 26/06/2025 - 27/06/2025   more

Have your say

Sustainable imports of fishery products under the EU Autonomous Tariff Quota Regulation Deadline 03/07/2025   more   Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2026 Deadline 09/09/2025   more

Funding opportunities

EMODnet Secretariat and the European Atlas of the Seas Deadline 16/07/2025   more

Publications and studies

The EU blue economy report 2025   more     Factsheet - 10 years of EU funding for the algae sector (2014-2023)   more

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