Dear Agnes, dear Ministers, ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honor to speak at the 50th anniversary of UNEP/MAP and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention.

The Mediterranean, beloved by all Europeans, is not just a tourist destination; it is the cradle of our civilization and a vital source of culture, history, and identity.

It is crucial for our blue economy, supporting livelihoods, innovation, and trade. Therefore, we must do everything to protect it. The Mediterranean, like many seas worldwide, faces significant pressure from climate change and pollution.

For 50 years, UNEP/MAP has guided this region, exemplifying multilateral cooperation. It achieves ambitious results despite diverse landscapes and political realities. The ocean knows no borders, making collaboration essential to address these challenges.

I am proud of the EUs and its Member States commitments at this Conference.

We will reduce pollution from land-based sources by implementing new regional plans from the Conventions COP23 on stormwater, agriculture, and aquaculture management.

The EU and the Barcelona Convention share the goal of a healthy marine environment, protecting biodiversity and reducing pollution.

We have embraced an ecosystem-based approach to sustainably use marine resources and financially supported regional action plans, like the one against marine litter.

This effort has led to a 38% reduction of litter on EU Mediterranean beaches from 2015 to 2021, aided by our marine protection laws and plastic reduction measures.

We will carry this success into negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty, crucial for stopping litter in our seas.

At the EU level, we have adopted a European Water Resilience Strategy and an Ocean Pact to tackle key water issues, including pollution, from source to sea. These initiatives will promote innovative solutions to reduce chemical, nutrient, and plastic pollution in our waters.

The upcoming ‘Pact for the Mediterranean by the European Commission will also support the Barcelona Conventions goals.

Let us celebrate our achievements today. The Commission fully supports the joint Declaration, reaffirming our commitment to a healthy Mediterranean. Let’s continue our journey for the ocean and our future. Thank you.