Newly elected and re-elected parliamentarians are settling into their roles in Brussels, setting up the European Parliament’s committees before a well-deserved summer break – perhaps a relaxing coastal getaway or a beachside mocktail. Amidst the bustling corridors and the currents of parliamentary sessions, are these decision-makers aware of the profound environmental shifts lurking beneath the surface? The European Environment Agency has declared the risks to coastal and marine ecosystems as the most severe facing the continent, demanding immediate action. Europe is experiencing a rise in sea level and record heat, with the three hottest years occurring since 2020. Last year, European sea surface temperatures reached up to 5.5°C above average, a concern that extends far beyond the shoreline and impacts the millions of people employed in the EU’s blue economy. Human health and food supply chains are affected across the continent. Despite the urgency, decisive action to mitigate or adapt has been lacking. Considering that the combined marine territories of EU member states form the largest maritime area on Earth, this inaction is nearly absurd.
It’s easy to take the ocean for granted. We marvel at the colorful plants and charismatic animals in documentaries, indulge in the bounty of seafood, seek solace on its shores, and find peace in its sunrises and sunsets. Behind these postcard moments lies a complex web of life that sustains both aquatic and terrestrial creatures. The ocean is home to 80% of all life on our planet, produces half of its oxygen, regulates the climate, has absorbed over 90% of heat caused by our emissions, and provides food and livelihood for almost half of the global population. Despite its undeniable importance, the ocean remains largely overlooked in EU policy-making and public consciousness. Marine issues are often marginalized, lacking dedicated decision-making authorities, and blue conservation efforts remain underfunded and fragmented compared to their green counterparts. The EU presents a paradox: it is a global ocean powerhouse yet lacks a comprehensive political view on marine matters.
Recently, European leaders agreed on the EU’s strategic plan for the coming years, pledging to protect nature and reverse the destruction of ecosystems, including our ocean. This commitment appears promising on paper, but how will they translate it into action? The numbers are clear: Europe is on the brink of irreparable damage to the world’s largest ecosystem. With its downfall, we lose the shared resources upon which we depend for food, defense, and climate mitigation. A fundamental shift is urgently needed. An overarching legal framework – an Ocean Deal – could make a real difference. This framework would ensure greater coherence between existing and new fisheries, transport, nature protection and restoration, energy, and sustainable tourism policies, looking beyond maritime activities and acknowledging land-sea interactions.
Specifically, we need an ecosystem-based approach to policymaking, one that prioritizes nature and the rights of future generations to a clean and healthy ocean. By considering the perspectives of all stakeholders across industries, communities, academia, and civil society, and acknowledging the cumulative impacts of our activities, both on land and at sea, we can develop more effective and equitable strategies. This will secure the health, livelihoods, food security, and well-being of EU citizens in a fair and equitable way. We need an ambitious ocean agenda that helps both societies and ecosystems adapt and recover in a changing climate. The ocean’s resilience is intricately linked to our own, and neglecting it is a disservice to ourselves and all life on Earth. As the major steward of the largest ecosystem on the planet, the EU urgently requires a proactive blue approach to climate action to halt the breakdown of marine life and safeguard its blue economy.
As the decision-makers chosen by EU citizens set sail in Brussels, it is paramount that they recognize the pivotal role the ocean plays for our well-being – both physical and economic – and establish it as a strategic and political priority. Adopting an Ocean Deal isn’t just an option. It’s an urgent necessity for safeguarding our blue planet, delivering socioeconomic stability, and securing a thriving future for generations to come.
