European Union Ratifies High Seas Treaty, Underscoring Commitment to Ocean Conservation
The European Union (EU) has taken a pivotal step towards safeguarding marine life beyond national boundaries by ratifying the High Seas Treaty. This treaty is designed to protect biodiversity in areas that lie outside of countries’ exclusive economic zones, including the high seas and seabed.
The EU’s ratification is a crucial moment in the treaty’s ratification process, as the EU played a significant role in negotiating its terms. To enter into force, the treaty requires the ratification of at least 60 countries. Currently, 89 countries have signed the treaty, while four have formally ratified it: Palau, Chile, Belize, and Seychelles.
While the EU is not counted as an additional party, its ratification and that of its 27 member states will have a substantial impact on the treaty’s progress. This move is expected to encourage other countries to complete the ratification process, potentially achieving the 60-country threshold before the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, scheduled for June 2025.
The EU’s ratification sends a clear message that the bloc prioritizes ocean conservation and is urging other nations to do the same. This treaty will establish a framework for international cooperation in managing and protecting marine resources, ensuring the sustainability of our oceans for generations to come.
