MEPs back plans to integrate the UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement into EU law to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity
The European Parliament’s Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee has voted to support the integration of the United Nations Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) into EU law, in a move aimed at protecting marine ecosystems, tackling biodiversity loss and fighting climate change.
The Directive on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction was adopted by 61 votes to 15, with 10 abstentions. It seeks to bring the BBNJ Agreement — concluded in March 2023 — into the EU legal framework to ensure the protection and sustainable use of marine resources in areas that lie outside national borders.
Covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean, these areas are home to critical ecosystems increasingly threatened by overexploitation and pollution. The Directive aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which commits signatories to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.
While MEPs broadly backed the Commission’s proposal, they introduced amendments to improve flexibility in how member states can submit management measures to the BBNJ Secretariat, particularly during environmental emergencies. They also strengthened provisions on transparency by requiring governments to publish their actions and reinforced citizens’ access to justice in relation to ocean protection.
After the committee vote, rapporteur Michal Wiezik (Renew, Slovakia) said: “Today we agreed on a solid basis to translate the BBNJ Agreement into concrete action and rules at EU level, which 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.”
The Parliament is expected to adopt its full position during the plenary session on 13 November 2025, after which negotiations with the Council will begin. The BBNJ Agreement, signed by the EU and all member states, is due to enter into force on 17 January 2026.
