Regions and cities warn that a top-down European Oceans Pact cannot deliver security and sustainability on the ground

Local and regional representatives unanimously adopted an outlook opinion on the European Ocean Pact, led by Mätta Ivarsson (SE/Greens), during the Plenary session of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 3 April. The opinion emphasises the need for cross-level collaboration with local and regional authorities and stakeholders to create comprehensive ocean legislation ahead of the pact’s expected adoption in mid-2025.

Local and regional representatives acknowledge rising geostrategic tensions surrounding the oceans, which pose a threat to coastal communities and global stability, urging the EU to employ its full diplomatic capacity to promote peaceful conflict resolution and international cooperation. At the same time, regions and cities underscore that oceans are essential for CO2 absorption, biodiversity, and the long-term economic prosperity of millions, particularly in coastal and disadvantaged regions. Recognising the crucial role of local and regional authorities (LRAs), the CoR calls for their active participation in shaping the Oceans Pact, alongside civil society, businesses, academia, and national governments. It advocates for a structured framework of stakeholder dialogues at all governance levels to ensure that ocean policies reflect local specificities as well as for the adoption of a Maritime Spatial Planning approach able to take on board different interests and the sustainability of alternative uses of resources, while managing trade-offs at local level. 

Given the severe challenges posed by environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss, local and regional leaders stress the importance of ecosystem protection, but also targeted investments to enhance local adaptation capacities. The CoR further reiterates the vital role of oceans in achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal, particularly regarding the circular economy and bio-based marine innovations, and in ensuring the EU’s long-term food sovereignty. To support this, the CoR calls on the European Commission to mobilise dedicated funds for research, sustainable blue-economy initiatives, and marine ecosystem restoration. 

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Rapporteur Mätta Ivarsson (SE/Greens), member of County Council, Skåne region: “Oceans will ultimately determine if we can secure a liveable future for humanity. They regulate our climate, sustain biodiversity, and support millions of livelihoods. Yet, they are under escalating pressure, endangering coastal communities, maritime industries, and marine ecosystems. The EU Oceans Pact is a vital opportunity to turn the tide, and we support making it a strong and effective tool to protect our seas.” 

Background 

Video and photos from the session. 

This opinion responds to the call for evidence launches by the European Commission on 20 January 2025, to shape the European Oceans Pact, a political initiative that aims to promote sustainable ocean management and ensure the health, resilience, and productivity of the oceans and thus the prosperity of the EU’s coastal communities. The pact was announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines for the next European Commission (2024-2029). 

The CoR will be represented at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, taking place on 9-13 June in Nice (France), as well as at the Special Event 'Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Summit'. 

Contact 

Hélène Dressen
Tel: +32 471502795
helene.dressen@cor.europa.eu