MEPs in the EU Parliament backs plans to embed UN marine biodiversity treaty into EU law, aiming to safeguard oceans and tackle climate change
Parliament Endorses Landmark Ocean Protection Directive
The European Parliament has voted to incorporate the UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement into EU law, marking a major step in global ocean governance.
The directive was adopted with 454 votes in favour, 172 against and 19 abstentions during Thursday’s plenary session.
Marine areas beyond national jurisdiction account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. These regions are critical for biodiversity and climate regulation but remain vulnerable to overexploitation and environmental degradation.
What The Directive Seeks To Achieve
The legislation aims to conserve marine biodiversity, curb environmental damage and fight climate change. It aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.
By embedding the BBNJ Agreement into EU law, the bloc intends to meet its international commitments and strengthen science-based governance of marine resources.
Measures To Improve Transparency And Justice
While Parliament broadly supported the Commission’s proposal, MEPs introduced new provisions to increase transparency. Member states will be required to publish conservation measures and ensure stronger access to justice, enabling legal challenges to decisions that affect marine biodiversity.
These steps aim to make ocean governance more accountable and inclusive.
Emergency Flexibility For Management Tools
Parliament also called for flexibility in submitting area-based management tools to the BBNJ Secretariat, particularly in emergencies. This would allow rapid responses to ecological threats while maintaining oversight and compliance with international standards.
Rapporteur Highlights Global Cooperation
Michal Wiezik, the directive’s rapporteur, said the vote provides a solid foundation for turning the BBNJ Agreement into concrete EU rules.
“Today we agreed on a solid basis to translate the BBNJ Agreement into concrete action and rules at EU level,” he said. “This is important to show that the EU is serious about its international commitments and responsibilities on conservation of marine biodiversity as well as the power of multilateralism, collaboration and science-based governance. Protecting and ensuring the sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction will bring benefits both to Europe and our international partners. It will enable us to advance and progress in ocean science and will ultimately contribute to ocean resilience and the recovery of our valuable ecosystems.”
Next Steps In The Legislative Process
Parliament is now ready to begin negotiations with member states on the final text of the directive. Once agreed, the law will pave the way for the EU to implement the BBNJ Agreement, which enters into force on 17 January 2026.
Background On The BBNJ Agreement
The BBNJ Agreement was concluded in March 2023 and signed by the EU and all member states. It covers marine areas beyond national jurisdiction and aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international collaboration and science-based governance.
These areas are vital for global biodiversity and climate stability, yet they remain largely unregulated. The agreement introduces tools such as marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments and benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources.
