Dear Agnes, dear Ministers, ladies and gentlemen,

Its really an honour to speak here at the 50^th anniversary of UNEP/MAP and the 30^th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention.

Although I come from the opposite end of our continent, I know how deeply the Mediterranean resonates in the hearts of all Europeans. Its more than just Europes most beloved tourist destination. It is the cradle of our civilisation and a source of culture, history, and identity.

Today, it remains vital for our blue economy, supporting livelihoods, innovation, and trade. That is why we must do everything in our power to safeguard it. As we have heard, the Mediterranean — like other seas around the globe — is under great pressure due to climate change and pollution.

For the past 50 years, UNEP/MAP has been a guiding light in this region. It remains a unique example of multilateral cooperation. It is able to deliver ambitious outcomes despite a diversity of landscapes, societies and political realities. This is important because the ocean knows now boarders, so the only way of tackling these challenges is Together.

I am also proud of the new commitment taken by the EU and its Member States at this Conference.

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

The EU and the Barcelona Convention share the same good environmental status goal that protects marine biodiversity and reduces pollution.

We have together instilled the ecosystem-based approach in our understanding of the sustainable use of marine resources.

We have supported, also financially, the practical implementation of regional action plans, such as the regional plan against marine litter.

This work is starting to bear fruit: between 2015 and 2021, we saw an impressive reduction of 38% of litter on the beaches of EU Mediterranean countries, also thanks to our laws on marine protection and on plastic reduction at source.

We will carry this success story with us as we keep negotiating for an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty. This is necessary to stop the litter in our seas, and we are putting all our weight behind it.

Also at the EU level, we are increasing our efforts. We have very recently adopted a new European Water Resilience Strategy as well as an Ocean Pact. Together they address key water issues, including pollution, from source to sea. They will foster innovative technical and nature-based solutions to reduce chemical, nutrient and plastic pollution in our fresh and marine waters.

The ‘Pact for the Mediterranean that the European Commission is preparing should also support the goals of the Barcelona Convention.

I am happy that we can celebrate our joint achievements here together. The Commission fully supports todays joint Declaration, as we reiterate our commitments for achieving a healthy Mediterranean. So lets continue this journey for our ocean and our future. Thank you.