International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans

The Council adopted conclusions on “International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans”.

The Council welcomes the joint communication on international ocean governance by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission. The Council considers the communication as a timely and relevant contribution to achieving a coherent cross-sectoral, rules-based international approach, as well as better coordination and cooperation between the internal and external aspects of the EU’s ocean-related policies. This will help to ensure that oceans are safe, secure, conserved and sustainably used and managed. The Council also welcomes the hosting by the EU of the fourth edition of the ‘Our Ocean’ Conference on 5-6 October 2017 in Malta.

Since 2014, ‘Our Ocean’ conferences have invited world leaders to look forward and respond, delivering high-level commitments and transforming the challenges ahead into an opportunity for cooperation, innovation and entrepreneurship. The Council looks forward to the voluntary commitments from all participants for safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed oceans.