Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – Civil society’s recommendations towards a European Oceans Pact (exploratory opinion at the request of the European Commission)

Official Journal of the European Union C/2025/2961 16.6.2025 Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee Civil society’s recommendations towards a European Oceans Pact (exploratory opinion at the request of the European Commission) (C/2025/2961) Rapporteur: Javier GARAT PÉREZ Advisor Daniel VOCES DE ONAÍNDI EN C series Referral Letter from the European Commission, 2.12.2024 Legal basis Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union Section responsible Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment Adopted in section 12.3.2025 Adopted at plenary session 26.3.2025 Plenary session No 595 Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions) 151/1/0 1. Conclusions and recommendations 1.1. The EESC welcomes the fact that President Ursula von der Leyen has included the European Oceans Pact among the Commission’s priorities for its new term of office. In the EESC’s view, the pact should focus on unlocking the potential of the blue economy, ensuring a competitive, efficient and innovative business environment with a simplified regulatory framework and fostering cooperation with global partners while remaining within the planetary boundaries. The EESC calls for a comprehensive approach that combines economic prosperity and competitiveness with environmental regeneration and the promotion of social equity. 1.2. The EESC recommends that the pact be closely aligned with the EU’s blue economy strategy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)...