Mr President, Minister, Honourable Members,

Thank you for adding this important debate to this weeks agenda.

The European Union is an Ocean Union. The ocean has shaped our past, sustains our present, and will define our future. It is a source of life, a pillar of our economy, and a mirror of our shared destiny.

But the oceans balance is fragile. Climate change, pollution, land-based activities, and biodiversity loss are putting pressure on marine ecosystems. Ocean waters are warming and becoming more acidic, our fisheries are declining, and our coastlines are eroding. New security challenges are emerging, and the delicate balance of life in the ocean is at risk.

This is not only an environmental crisis. It is a challenge to our prosperity, stability, and way of life.

For over twenty years, the European Union has played a crucial role in integrating maritime policy, the blue economy, sustainable fisheries, marine environmental protection, ocean monitoring, and international ocean governance. But we must go further.

The ocean is one, vast, and indivisible. Its currents, ecosystems, and resources know no borders. Our response must be just as unified, ambitious, and strong.

In light of growing global and geopolitical challenges, Europe must act with clarity and resolve. We need a European Ocean Pact among all ocean-related stakeholders that places coherence, integration, and collaboration at the heart of our governance.

This is why we wanted to involve all stakeholders from the very beginning in the development of the Ocean Pact through a comprehensive consultation exercise. An exercise that included an open call for evidence and attracted an impressive number of contributions: from scientists, think tanks, industry leaders, coastal communities, NGOs, citizens, and more. We also received feedback through the fisheries and ocean dialogues, a high-level dialogue with representatives of more than 50 stakeholders, a youth dialogue, and an informal ministerial meeting.

Additionally, during my field visit to coastal areas of Europe, I had a unique opportunity for direct exchanges with those whose livelihoods are intrinsically linked with the ocean.

Last but not least, as promised during my hearing, I had regular exchanges with political groups and members of the European Parliament, including on the Ocean Pact.

Honourable members of the European Parliament, our ambition is clear. The European Union must be at the forefront of global efforts to protect and sustainably use the ocean. We must be a voice for resilience, prosperity, and peace in a multilateral setting and reaffirm our role as a constructive and reliable partner.

We should also turn commitments into action. The European Council, two weeks ago, in its conclusions, set out a clear direction.

We must deliver on protecting and restoring ocean health, productivity, and resilience.

Ensuring sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and boosting a sustainable and competitive European Union blue economy.

Building a robust knowledge framework on the ocean through research and innovation and promoting awareness of the European citizens of the benefits of a healthy ocean.

Strengthening the ocean governance framework as well as maritime security. Putting special emphasis on coastal and island communities and our outermost regions and putting in place a governance model that will ensure implementation.

The European Ocean Pact is not just a European vision. It aligns with our commitments under international law and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is our pledge to work with the United Nations, our global partners, and all those who share our determination to protect the ocean.

As we approach the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, the world will look to Europe for leadership. We will show that we are ready – ready to act, ready to lead, ready to stand by the ocean and by the coastal communities.

Honourable Members,

I look forward to our discussion and the European Parliaments contribution to our efforts.