EMFAF initiatives supporting EU leadership at the UN Ocean Conference

From 9 to 13 June 2025, the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice brings together world leaders, scientists and stakeholders to step up global efforts to protect the ocean. This week, President von der Leyen has been representing the EU and presenting the European Ocean Pact.

This year’s focus — “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use our oceans” — highlights the need for urgent, coordinated solutions to safeguard marine ecosystems and support those who depend on them.

Supporting ocean governance through concrete actions

Several initiatives that the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) manages through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) will take centre stage during the Conference, as part of the European Union’s broader package of actions being presented at UNOC 2025.

CINEA contributes to it by ensuring that EU policies are backed by solid technical and financial delivery on the ground.

CINEA Director Paloma Aba Garrote says:

“We are proud to support the European Union’s global efforts to protect our ocean.

Through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, we are turning strategy into action – supporting international partnerships and on-the-ground initiatives that promote the sustainable use of our seas. From the High Ambition Coalition for the High Seas Treaty to the International Platform for Ocean Sustainability, our work helps turn EU commitments into reality. 

The UN Ocean Conference in Nice is a key opportunity to demonstrate how Europe is making a difference on the ground – and CINEA is fully committed to that goal.”

Key EMFAF-funded actions include:

• International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS)
  A global science-policy platform designed to support countries in implementing ocean sustainability commitments. IPOS will play a key role in strengthening international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
  Budget: €985,000 | Duration: 2024–2026

   

• High Ambition Coalition for the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), also known as High Seas Treaty
  Co-chaired by the EU, this coalition promotes the early and ambitious implementation of the High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023 and ratified by the EU on 28 May 2025. EMFAF supports the operational work of the coalition’s secretariat, hosted by IUCN.
  Budget: €300,000 | Duration: 2025–2028

   

• Legal support for EU implementation of the High Seas Treaty
  A targeted contract supporting the development of future EU legislation on marine genetic resources and legal coherence in international ocean governance.
  Budget: €250,000 | Duration: 2024–2026

   

Delivering on Europe’s ocean ambitions

These initiatives are part of a broader EU effort to lead by example, as demonstrated by the presentation of the European Ocean Pact, and the EU’s swift ratification of the High Seas Treaty. Together, they show the EU’s commitment to bold, science-based, and inclusive ocean policies.

Through these EMFAF actions, CINEA contributes to ensuring that political commitments made at global level are translated into practical, high-impact work — for the health of the ocean and all of us.

For more information on CINEA’s role in supporting the sustainable blue economy, visit CINEA’s website.