EU Commissioner Costas Kadis launches European Ocean Pact with High-Level Dialogue

Excellencies, Ministers, Presidents, distinguished colleagues,

It is a privilege to stand before you today at this High-Level Roundtable on the Fisheries and Oceans Dialogue “Helping design the European Ocean Pact”. I would like to extend a heartfelt Thank you to all of you for having accepted my invitation. This gathering reflects the shared commitment of leaders, policymakers, and experts to the enduring health, prosperity and competitiveness of the ocean—a single, interconnected body that unites us all, shaping our cultures, economies, and futures.

We are here because we recognise the profound significance of the ocean. It is not only the source of life but also the lifeblood of our societies and economies. The ocean knows no borders, no divisions, and it connects us in ways that transcend geography and politics.

Allow me to begin by emphasising what is at the heart of today’s dialogue: the importance of engaging with all stakeholders on the design of the Ocean Pact. It is crucial that the European Union’s Ocean governance model be grounded in collaboration, and this will be its greatest strength.

Ministers, chairs and distinguished representatives, we are not alone in this mission. We are joined by the voices of scientists, industry leaders, coastal communities, non-governmental organizations, and countless others whose lives are tied to the ocean.

On Monday we concluded our call for evidence. It was a deliberate effort to gather perspectives, to hear from those who live and breathe the realities of the ocean. The Commission’s approach is clear: our Ocean Pact will reflect the aspirations and concerns of the people it seeks to serve.

We received an impressive number of submissions. More than 860 contributions, numerous policy papers, opinions and recommendations! I want to assure you that the feedback we have received is not merely a box to be ticked. It will guide us for the policies we craft and the measures we implement. And while that specific call has closed, the dialogue remains open. My door remains open. The European Commission is here to listen, to respond, and to work hand-in-hand with you and the stakeholders you represent.

Following this high-level event, we will have a number of other opportunities to consult you and other stakeholders. During the first week of March, we are organising the EU Ocean Days. The discussions throughout that week, and notably the Dialogue on the 5^th of March will also contribute to the Pact development. On the 26^th of March, we will hold a ministerial meeting, ahead of UNOC, and the Pact will feature on the agenda. I am also looking forward to reading the resolution by the intergroup Searica in the EP, as well as the contributions of political groups and the conclusions of the March European Council on that matter. In addition, in my field trips to coastal areas of Europe, I have a unique opportunity to exchange directly with those whose livelihoods are intrinsically linked with the ocean.

When we speak of governance, we often focus on boundaries and territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, and sea basins. Yet, we must never lose sight of the fact that the ocean is one. It is interconnected and indivisible. Its currents, ecosystems, and lifeforms know no borders, and the challenges it faces -climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss – are shared challenges.

This unity of the ocean calls for unity in our governance. It demands coherence, integration, a holistic approach and above all collaboration across Member States, across institutions, and across sectors. Ladies and gentlemen, your leadership is indispensable in forging this unity.

The ocean speaks to us through its people. It speaks through the fisher, who has seen stocks dwindle and seasons change. It speaks through the scientist, whose research illuminates the ocean’s mysteries and vulnerabilities. It speaks through the coastal communities, cities and islands, whose cultures and livelihoods are shaped by the tides.

It speaks through the innovators, who imagine solutions for growth through innovation and sustainability.

I urge all of us to consider the power of these voices as we chart the way forward. These stakeholders are the foundation of our governance model. By engaging with them deeply and respectfully, we do more than inform our policies – we strengthen their legitimacy and their impact.

Let me emphasise that this engagement is not a one-time act. It is a continuous process, a commitment to partnership. The Commission remains committed to this principle, and I encourage each of you to uphold it as well.

The challenges we face are monumental. Rising sea levels, warming waters, acidification, pollution, and in some areas overexploitation are pushing its ecosystems to the brink. The effects of these crises are felt across every corner of Europe – including as extreme weather events far away from the coasts!

But let us not focus solely on the threats. Let us also consider the immense opportunities that lie before us. Together, we have the tools, the knowledge, and the collective will to turn the tide. By protecting the ocean, we protect biodiversity, strengthen the resilience of our societies, lead in marine knowledge, unlock sustainable blue growth and secure a source of healthy food.

The European Ocean Pact stands as a symbol of this opportunity. It is a commitment to act – not in isolation, but as a united front. It is a pledge to embrace innovation, to support our coastal communities, to restore balance of marine ecosystems, and to secure the future of our blue economy.

Our ability to govern effectively depends on knowledge – knowledge that is accurate, actionable, and accessible. By investing in research and innovation, we equip ourselves with the tools to address complex challenges and seize new opportunities.

I believe that Europe must lead the way in developing ocean technologies and solutions. Whether it is harnessing renewable energy from the seas, advancing sustainable aquaculture, building modern and clean ships, undersea robotics or developing cutting-edge observation systems, these innovations will not only protect the ocean but also bolster Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage. And it will be key to ensure that these innovations don’t stay at the stage of pilot projects but are upscaled with a view to a wider market use.

Let us also not forget the human dimension. The resilience and sustainability of coastal communities, cities and islands, are paramount. They are the stewards of the ocean, and their well-being must be at the heart of our efforts. From climate adaptation to sustainable fisheries, from equitable economic opportunities to preserving cultural heritage, we must ensure that no community is left behind.

Overall, and subject to your interventions today and the further consultation process, I start seeing some key areas of interest for the Pact:

• Developing a Competitive and Sustainable European Blue Economy;
• Protecting and restoring Ocean Health, Productivity and Resilience;
• Building a robust Marine Knowledge Framework;
• Establishing a global ocean governance and diplomacy;
• Enhancing the resilience of coastal communities & cities;
• And putting in place a governance model that will ensure implementation.

I am looking forward to hearing your views on these topics.

Excellencies, distinguished guests,

Let us remember that the decisions we make will shape not only the future of the ocean but also the future of our people.

In this mission, my door remains open to you, to your ideas, to your concerns, and to your aspirations. Together, we can build a governance model that is not only effective but also inclusive, a model that reflects the collective wisdom of all those who are bound to the ocean.

The ocean connects us; may it also inspire us to act as one.

I look very much forward to hearing your contributions to help design the European Ocean Pact!

Thank you.

Source – EU Commission