European Oceans Pact is a strategic first step, but it must now deliver

The Renew Europe Group welcomes today’s launch of the European Oceans Pact by the European Commission as a long-overdue strategic initiative to address the EU’s environmental, economic, and security challenges at sea. However, to succeed, the Pact must go beyond declarations and press conferences and become a fully resourced, actionable framework that integrates and elevates existing EU policies while closing critical gaps. The initiative, announced ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice (9–13 June), which will be attended by Renew Europe MEPs, is designed to place ocean governance more firmly on the EU agenda. The Oceans Pact must reflect the three strategic imperatives for this EU mandate: climate and environmental resilience, economic competitiveness, and European security. Europe is a maritime power, controlling the world's largest Exclusive Economic Zone and leading in shipping, offshore energy, and maritime innovation. This strength must now be translated into concrete governance, funding, and enforcement tools. MEP Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Renaissance, France), Vice-Chair of the Committee on Fisheries, said:“The Ocean Pact is a good start with a global, strategic approach to EU maritime policies that aligns with our priorities. However, the Pact's ambition is undermined by the lack of strong commitments. The Pact cannot remain a mere declaration of intent. It must become a genuine action plan with a clear roadmap backed by financial means and with the...