Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction

EUROPEAN COMMISSION Proposal for a Brussels, 24.4.2025 COM(2025) 173 final 2025/0090 (COD) DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL • Reasons for and objectives of the proposal Tackling biological diversity loss and the degradation of marine ecosystems has been internationally recognised as a top priority. The conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (‘BBNJ’) is also a key priority for the European Union (EU). In line with the objectives under the European Green Deal and the Joint Communication on the EU’s international ocean governance agenda, the EU was an active participant in negotiating the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (‘the BBNJ Agreement’ or ‘the Agreement’). Negotiations were concluded in June 2023. The BBNJ Agreement is open for signature by States and regional economic integration organizations from 20 September 2023 until 20 September 2025. The EU and all its Member States have signed it. The EU adopted Council Decision (EU) 2024/1830 to conclude the Agreement in June 20241, but the EU has not yet deposited its instrument of approval at the time of adoption of this...