The European Ocean Pact, an upcoming European Commission Communication, will be presented at the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June. This initiative aims to bring coherence across all EU policy areas related to the Ocean. Launched for consultation in early 2025, EMB has provided input in several ways, emphasising the importance of Ocean observations, data collection, marine knowledge, and research and innovation as key pillars of the Pact.
On 15 January, EMB participated in an in-person discussion with the SEArica Intergroup of the European Parliament, following an invitation from MEP Christophe Clergeau. The meeting focused on shaping the Intergroup's vision for the European Ocean Pact. EMB, along with other invited marine knowledge organisations, highlighted the need for coordination and resourcing mechanisms for long-term Ocean observing and monitoring.
Subsequently, the EMB responded to a call for evidence from the European Commission on the European Ocean Pact, which was launched in January 2025. The EMB Secretariat drafted a common statement, drawing on key documents such as the Vigo Declaration and EMB's Navigating the Future VI – which is available here. This statement was also shared with the EMB Member Organisations to inform their responses.
On 21 February, Fiona Grant, Chair of the European Marine Board, provided a brief input at the High-level roundtable “Fisheries and Oceans Dialogue - helping design the European Ocean Pact” in Brussels, based on the EMB response. This event, hosted by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Mr Costas Kadis and organised by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, started the “Fisheries and Oceans Dialogues”, which aim to help design the European Ocean Pact in a collaborative and inclusive way and to listen to the views of all stakeholders.
Finally, following a congratulatory letter from the Chair of the EMB, Fiona Grant, to Commissioner Kadis on his appointment, the heads of EMB Member National Ocean research institutes were invited to a private meeting with Commissioner Kadis. The discussion focused on the role of science in enhancing marine knowledge and building a coherent, transparent, and collaborative European Ocean Pact. EMB particularly emphasised the need for sustained funding for Ocean observations, which are crucial for achieving the Pact's objectives.
Through these engagements, the EMB has underscored the critical role of marine knowledge in fostering sustainable Ocean governance and policy coherence across Europe. The collective efforts of the EMB and its member organisations aim to ensure that the European Ocean Pact is grounded in robust scientific evidence, promoting effective and equitable Ocean management for future generations.