The Political guidelines for the next European Commission (2024-2029) include commitment to A European Oceans Pact which will “focus on boosting the blue economy and ensuring the good governance and sustainability of our oceans in all of their dimensions”.

There is also a commitment to appoint a Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner “tasked with ensuring the sector remains sustainable, competitive and resilient and with upholding a level playing field for the European fisheries chain”.

Marine protection groups welcomed von der Leyen’s pledge – but with caveats.

“The portfolio of the new…commissioner must be expanded beyond a fisheries-centric focus to also put the delivery of the Pact front and centre, to guarantee the resilience of the ocean and the precious marine ecosystems it supports,” said Rémi Cossetti, marine policy officer at Seas At Risk.

Pascale Moehrle, Vice President for Oceana in Europe commented that “In light of the planned separation of EU Commissioners’ portfolios for the environment and the ocean, it is even more critical that this Oceans Pact be based on ensuring a healthy and abundant ocean. The Green Deal was a game changer for climate and the environment – now it is time to give the ocean the importance it deserves,”.

While the Commission president remains committed to the European Green Deal and promises a 90% emissions cut target for 2040, environmental groups have signalled varying degrees of concern over a shift in focus away from nature towards industrial competitiveness.

To read the full article in Euronews click here

The Political Guidelines document is available  here.