The European Commission (EC) adopted an all-encompassing European Ocean Pact last week in a bid to bolster ocean protection, promote a “thriving blue economy,” cut red tape, and support the well-being of coastal communities. It has also announced an Ocean Act at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference, which will be presented by 2027 to facilitate the implementation of the pact’s key objectives. Environmental advocates have welcomed the decision but remain concerned over a “lack of concrete measures” to tackle the most harmful activities that have long plagued European waters. These include overfishing, pollution, and destructive activities in marine protected areas (MPAs).
