European Ocean Days 2025 advances ocean governance, shaping the European Ocean Pact and Water Resilience Strategy for sustainability
Brussels became the epicentre of ocean action from 3 to 7 March 2025, as the European Ocean Days gathered over 1,800 policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and youth representatives to discuss the protection of marine ecosystems, the blue economy, and upcoming EU policies.
With 14 events over the week, discussions focused on the European Ocean Pact and the European Water Resilience Strategy, aiming to deliver a more sustainable future for Europe’s seas and coastal communities.
Shaping the European Ocean Pact: A Call for Coherent Governance
One of the highlights of the week was the Fisheries and Ocean Dialogues, where the European Commission invited stakeholders to contribute their perspectives on shaping the upcoming European Ocean Pact.
The Ocean Pact is designed to:
- Align EU ocean-related policies for a cohesive governance framework.
- Ensure a healthy and productive marine ecosystem through stronger environmental commitments.
- Strengthen the resilience of the blue economy, which currently generates over €600 billion annually.
- Expand the EU’s marine knowledge framework to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Enhance the prosperity of coastal communities by ensuring sustainable marine resource management.
Emphasising the importance of collaborative governance, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, stated:
“The European Ocean Pact is more than just a governance framework. It is a reflection of our shared responsibility to protect our marine environment and ensures that coastal communities are empowered to thrive. As we continue this journey together, we must make sure no one is left behind.”
Stakeholders stressed the need for adequate financial support and an inclusive governance model that does not burden the fishing sector disproportionately.
Water Resilience Strategy: Addressing Scarcity and Economic Growth
A high-level event also took place to gather input for the European Water Resilience Strategy, which aims to improve water management, address shortages, enhance industry competitiveness, and promote circular economy solutions.
Discussions underscored that water governance must be mainstreamed across all policy areas and backed by significant investments in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, emphasised:
“What is good for nature will also be good for businesses. Europe’s water sector has the potential to become a global leader in new technologies.”
To ensure water security, the strategy will focus on scaling up innovation and skills, while aligning environmental objectives with economic growth.
Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters: Driving Tangible Change
Another key event was the third Annual Forum of the EU’s Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters, showcasing progress and solutions through an exhibition and stakeholder engagement sessions.
The Mission Charter has already mobilised over 1,000 commitments across Europe, accelerating action on marine restoration and cleaner waters. Discussions also highlighted the Digital Twin of the Ocean, which aims to become fully operational by 2030 to support real-time monitoring of marine environments.
Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, highlighted the urgent need for action:
“The Mission Ocean Forum is about action, not just ambition. With over 1,000 commitments to the Mission Charter, communities across Europe are stepping up to protect our ocean and waters. Now, we need to turn that energy into lasting change.”
The forum emphasised the need to integrate these commitments into EU policy frameworks to ensure long-term impact.
Expanding EU Blue Parks: The 2030 Strict Protection Goal
The EU Blue Parks Community presented its ambitious goal to strictly protect at least 10% of EU sea areas by 2030. Currently, only 0.03% of EU waters are strictly protected.
During the fourth EU Blue Parks workshop, experts showcased evidence of how strict protection benefits both nature and local communities. The discussions underscored the importance of direct stakeholder engagement to increase public support and participation in marine conservation efforts.
A Mission matchmaking event was also held, bringing together regional representatives, industry stakeholders, universities, and investors to accelerate partnerships for sustainable marine solutions.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for EU Ocean Governance
The European Ocean Days 2025 provided a platform to align scientific expertise, policy ambitions, and economic considerations in shaping the future of Europe’s marine governance.
The discussions on the European Ocean Pact and the Water Resilience Strategy will play a crucial role in shaping EU policies to balance marine conservation, blue economy growth, and coastal community resilience.
With growing momentum and cross-sector collaboration, the EU’s approach to ocean sustainability and water resilience will be closely watched as policies take shape in the coming months.
Source