The European Parliament today voted to adopt its position on the Directive for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) – the law that turns the international High Seas Treaty into concrete European action.
Renew Europe MEP and Parliament rapporteur Michal Wiezik welcomed the vote as “a clear signal that Europe keeps its promises, to protect nature, to respect science, and to work with the world for the future of our oceans.”
Today’s decision proves that the European Union is serious about its international commitments. We are acting to protect marine life in the High Seas and the international seabed, the parts of our planet that belong to everyone and to future generations,” Wiezik said. “By putting the BBNJ Agreement into EU law, we are turning global words into European action.
Michal WiezikRenew Europe MEP, Slovakia, Progresívne Slovensko
The new legislation sets out EU rules to assess potential impacts of harmful activities at sea, to protect fragile marine ecosystems, and to ensure that the use of marine genetic resources is sustainable and fair. It creates clear procedures for the establishment of marine protected areas, and cooperation with international partners.
This is not just about the environment,” Wiezik added. “Protecting the ocean also means supporting fishermen, scientific research and coastal communities. Healthy seas regulate climate, feed people and provide jobs. What we do for the ocean, we do for ourselves.
European liberals and democrats led cross-party negotiations that built a large pro-European majority in the Parliament, working with the EPP, S&D, Greens to reach a fast, efficient and science-based compromise.
Wiezik also criticised the far right for opposing the agreement:
“The far right once again tried to block progress and question international cooperation. But Europe chose responsibility instead of denial. We showed that multilateralism, collaboration and science-based governance are the only way forward.”
With today’s vote, the Parliament’s position is now ready to move to interinstitutional negotiations with the Council.
This directive shows what Europe does best: leading by example,” Wiezik concluded. “It protects the ocean, strengthens international cooperation, and helps science and innovation thrive. Renew Europe is proud to make this law a showcase of how Europe can act together for people, the planet and prosperity.