New Parliamentary Mandates and Environmental Challenges

The newly elected and re-elected parliamentarians are embarking on their mandates in Brussels, setting the stage for the European Parliament’s committees before a well-deserved summer break. Many may find themselves seeking relaxation along the coast, perhaps enjoying a refreshing mocktail on the beach. But amidst the bustling corridors and the high-stakes parliamentary sessions, do the EU’s new decision-makers fully grasp the profound environmental shifts lurking beneath the surface?

The European Environment Agency has identified the risks to coastal and marine ecosystems as among the most severe challenges facing the continent, signaling an urgent need for action. Europe is already grappling with rising sea levels and record-breaking temperatures, with the three hottest years on record occurring since 2020. Last year, European sea surface temperatures soared to a staggering 5.5°C above average, a situation that poses risks not only for coastal communities but also for the millions dependent on the EU’s blue economy. Human health, food supply chains, and livelihoods across the continent are all intricately connected to the health of our oceans. Yet, despite these alarming indicators, decisive action to mitigate or adapt to these changes has been conspicuously absent. Given that the combined marine territories of EU member states constitute the largest maritime area on Earth, this inaction is almost unfathomable.

Sidelining What We Hold Dear

It’s all too easy to take the ocean for granted. We are captivated by its stunning beauty, from vibrant marine life showcased in countless documentaries to the array of seafood delicacies that seem perpetually available, even far inland. We find solace along its tranquil shores during the summer and feel an inexplicable sense of peace as we watch the sunrise or sunset over the horizon. Yet, beneath these idyllic 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 the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, and has absorbed over 90% of the heat generated by our emissions. Moreover, it provides vital food sources and livelihoods for nearly half of the global population.

Recently, European leaders have come together to endorse the EU’s strategic plan for the coming years, pledging to protect nature and reverse the destruction of ecosystems, including our oceans. This commitment appears promising on paper, but the pressing question remains: how will they translate this commitment into tangible action?

A Dual Perspective on Ocean Policy

Despite its undeniable significance, the ocean often remains overlooked in EU policy-making and public dialogue. Marine issues are frequently sidelined in policy discussions and environmental agendas. Multiple institutional bodies and parliamentary committees must review laws due to the absence of dedicated decision-making authorities for ocean-related matters, while blue conservation initiatives are often underfunded and fragmented compared to their green counterparts.

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The EU embodies a dual identity: it is a global ocean powerhouse yet lacks a cohesive political perspective on marine issues. While European leaders have recently endorsed a strategic plan to safeguard nature and reverse ecosystem destruction, including our oceans, the crucial question remains: how will these commitments be actualized?

An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Policymaking

The evidence is clear: Europe stands on the brink of irreversible damage to the world’s largest ecosystem. The degradation of this ecosystem threatens the shared resources upon which we depend for food security, defense, and climate mitigation. A fundamental paradigm shift is urgently needed. An overarching legal framework—an Ocean Deal—could ensure greater coherence among existing and new policies related to fisheries, transport, nature protection, restoration, energy, and sustainable tourism, while also considering the interactions between land and sea.

Just as there is one ocean, it’s time for the EU’s diverse maritime policies to be integrated under a singular vision. We must adopt an ecosystem-based approach to policymaking that places nature at its core and prioritizes the rights of future generations to inherit a clean and healthy ocean. By incorporating the perspectives of all stakeholders—across industries, communities, academia, and civil society—and considering the cumulative impacts of our land and at-sea activities, we will pave the way for more effective and equitable strategies.

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This comprehensive approach will secure the health, livelihoods, food security, and overall well-being of EU citizens in a fair manner. An ambitious ocean agenda is essential for helping both societies and ecosystems adapt and recover in the face of climate change.

Our Planet’s Largest Ecosystem Deserves Attention

The bottom line is that the resilience of our oceans is intricately linked to our own survival. Ignoring this vital resource is a disservice to ourselves and all forms of life on Earth. As the major steward of the planet’s largest ecosystem, the EU must adopt a proactive blue approach to climate action to halt the decline of marine life and protect its blue economy. As decision-makers chosen by EU citizens begin their work in Brussels, it is crucial that they recognize the pivotal role the ocean plays in our well-being—both physical and economic—and prioritize it as a strategic political concern. Embracing an Ocean Deal is not merely an option; it is an urgent necessity to protect our blue planet, ensure socio-economic stability, and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

Dr. Antonia Leroy is Head of EU Ocean Policy at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
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