Ahead of the European Commission’s presentation of the European Ocean Pact, the Socialists & Democrats Group are urging fisheries and oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis to propose a bold and ambitious European Ocean Act. In a letter sent yesterday, they stress that a strong ocean policy is essential to tackle the geopolitical, environmental, and socioeconomic challenges European citizens are facing.
A dedicated Ocean Act must empower Europe to become a true global maritime power – anchored in sustainability and strategic autonomy. Protecting and restoring ocean health is critical to tackling the climate crisis and preserving biodiversity. At the same time, the act should unlock concrete socioeconomic benefits: boosting renewable energy, strengthening food security, and creating high-quality jobs – particularly in coastal, island, and outermost regions.
Christophe Clergeau, S&D co-vice-president for the Green Deal, said:
“With 25 million km² of Exclusive Economic Zone, the EU must finally lead on ocean matters and strengthen its sovereignty. We must assert our role as a maritime power – protecting ecosystems while building independence through a sustainable blue economy. That means investing in offshore wind and marine renewables, decarbonising our maritime transport, promoting affordable, sustainable fishing and banning destructive practices – such as deep-sea mining – that undermine the ocean’s health in the long run.
“As S&Ds we demand a credible action plan and the full implementation of existing legislation. We advocate for a European Ocean Act that supports both people and planet and allows for adapting EU legislation to maritime specificities. This Act would enhance renewable energy independence, ensure food security, and create well-paid, high-quality jobs through investment in clean marine industries and advanced skills training. It’s time the EU truly asserted its sovereignty – not just in rhetoric, but by protecting marine biodiversity, transforming our fleet, and prioritising European-built ships for clean short-sea shipping.
“The act should provide real opportunities for European citizens living in outermost regions, and our coastal and island territories. That means more than words; it means ensuring access to affordable housing in tourist-heavy areas, tailored policies for remote regions, and public investment in education, infrastructure, and local services.
“There are no human activities without a healthy ocean; there is no vibrant ocean without sustainable human activities. Protecting marine ecosystems is not just an environmental necessity; it is an economic and social imperative. We must act decisively to restore our ocean’s health.”
Note to editors:
To position Europe as a maritime power, our letter to Commissioner Costas Kadis outlines eight key priorities:
- keeping the ocean at the heart of the EU agenda;
- placing people at the core of the European Ocean Pact;
- restoring and protecting the ocean’s resources;
- unlocking its potential for economic growth, jobs, and security;
- advancing ocean knowledge, research, and innovation;
- ensuring effective governance;
- securing financing for the European Ocean Act;
- enshrining objectives in law with a clear, binding roadmap.
