🌊 Story: EU Ratifies Global Ocean Treaty

EU High Seas Treaty

The European Union (EU) has formally ratified the UN High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, marking a significant milestone in global ocean conservation efforts. This treaty is the first legally binding international agreement dedicated to protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which constitute nearly two-thirds of the world's oceans. 

🌊 What Is the High Seas Treaty?

Adopted by consensus at the United Nations in June 2023, the High Seas Treaty provides a framework for:

• Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Facilitates the creation of MPAs in international waters to safeguard marine ecosystems.

• Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments: Mandates assessments for activities that may affect marine biodiversity.

• Equitable Sharing of Marine Genetic Resources: Ensures fair access and benefit-sharing of marine genetic materials.

• Capacity Building and Technology Transfer: Supports developing nations in marine conservation through training and access to technology.

The treaty aims to protect at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, aligning with global biodiversity targets. 

🇪🇺 EU's Leadership Role

The EU's ratification, alongside six member states—Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, and Slovenia—brings the total number of ratifications to 28. France and Spain had previously ratified the treaty earlier in 2025. This collective action represents the largest joint ratification by a group of countries to date. 

To support global implementation, the EU has pledged €40 million through its Global Ocean Programme, assisting African, Caribbean, and Pacific partners in ratifying and enacting the treaty. 

🔜 Next Steps

The treaty requires ratification by at least 60 countries to enter into force. With the upcoming UN Ocean Conference scheduled for June 9–13, 2025, in Nice, France, the EU is urging other nations to expedite their ratification processes. The conference aims to catalyze further commitments to ocean conservation and sustainable use. 

Sources: Positive News, The European Commission

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