Dear Minister Musumeci, honourable guests, ladies and gentlemen,
The ocean is a vital lifeline for the European Union, with 40% of our population residing within 50 km of the sea. And in places like Naples, the ocean has, quite literally, shaped the lives and identities of this community and its people.
This city was founded almost 3000 years ago by Greek settlers, who recognised the immense potential of this place and the ocean to sustain them and keep them safe and secure.
And this immense potential is still there – especially for more investment in the sustainable blue economy.
Yet, the ocean faces many challenges, including pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of marine resources, which require urgent attention and action. These challenges necessitate immediate and cohesive action from us all. Its not just about safeguarding a natural resource; its about ensuring the legacy and well-being of future generations.
This is why, with the support of Executive Vice President Fitto, in June this year, we launched the European Ocean Pact, which brings together all EU ocean-related policies into a comprehensive framework, unifying efforts across borders and sectors. This Pact will enable us to harness the full economic potential of our seas while prioritising their health and resilience.
This new approach will also allow us to fully harness the potential of the blue economy.
But for the Pact to succeed, we also need effective ocean governance.
This requires a coordinated effort that will see governments, industries, scientists, and local communities adopt sustainable practices and policies that promote long-term ocean health and sustainable economic development.
Moreover, international ocean governance will be key to standardise these efforts throughout the world.
I am convinced that the European Ocean Pact will strengthen the EUs economic prospects.
The EUs blue economy is a formidable powerhouse that directly supports 5 million jobs and contributes over 250 billion euro to the EU economy annually. It is integral to Europes broader industrial and security strategy.
The blue economy encompasses traditional sectors such as fisheries, maritime transport and coastal and maritime tourism, as well as emerging industries such as renewable energy, blue biotechnology, and ocean observation.
According to the MIT Blue Technology Barometer, the EU leads in ocean technologies, with seven EU Member States ranked in the top ten. And key sectors, such as clean technology, defence, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy-intensive industries, are deeply embedded in our blue economy.
Our EU sustainable blue economy strategy demonstrates how essential ocean health is for all marine- and land-based businesses. And to balance multiple ocean users and pressures with ocean conservation, we need more integrated ocean management and governance and move beyond the fragmented sectoral approach we currently see.
Today, I am pleased to announce that the European Commissions 2026 Work Programme includes the adoption of a European Ocean Act. This legislation will mark a significant step forward in our ocean governance, providing a comprehensive framework to better manage and protect our marine and coastal regions. One of the core elements of the Act will be its emphasis on maritime spatial planning, ensuring that our ocean use harmonises with environmental, economic, and social needs.
We have the know-how, technology, capital, and determination to build a sustainable blue economy that can play a significant role in how we address climate and biodiversity challenges. It can also help us develop new industries and create millions of jobs by spurring economic growth.
New technologies offer unprecedented potential to understand our ocean in ways we never have before. The EU has committed substantial financial resources to support the blue economy, including 740 million euros for 57 actions. And it has mobilised nearly 1 billion euros in public and private capital through initiatives like BlueInvest, demonstrating concrete efforts to unlock private investment and support for ocean-related projects.
Beyond efforts at EU level, national efforts have also made an invaluable contribution. In that respect, Italys dedication to promoting regional cooperation and enhancing maritime security, with the shared objective of keeping our Mediterranean clean, safe, and secure, is exemplary.
Italys Plan for the Sea (Piano del Mare) mirrors many aspects of the European Ocean Pact, acting as a planning tool for a unitary and strategic maritime policy. I would like to congratulate Minister Musumeci and the Italian government for this strategic initiative.
Moreover, Italy plays a crucial role in Mediterranean initiatives, such as the 2nd Union for Mediterranean Ministerial Declaration on the Blue Economy or regional cooperation on sustainable blue economy in the Western Mediterranean under the WestMed initiative.
The European Commission remains committed to supporting the region, with a new agenda for the Mediterranean, focusing on security, energy, and investments, to be presented in the coming months.
In addition, the Pact for the Mediterranean, adopted last week, will build on the principles of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual benefit. This initiative aims to strengthen political commitment and the regions resilience to global challenges, while promoting its unique cultural and economic identity.
The EU is committed to enhancing relationships with the Southern Neighbourhood partner countries, fostering a shared space of peace, prosperity and stability in the Mediterranean.
Let me close by saying that the European Ocean Pact is more than just a policy. It is a pact with the sea, with each other, and with future generations.
Italys leadership proves that, together, we can achieve its goals.
Thank you for your commitment to a united, sustainable ocean future.
