Commissioner Costas Kadis addressed the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Side-event on June 9, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to protect biodiversity in international waters. Kadis highlighted the nearing entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement—a landmark in global ocean governance and multilateralism. He praised the European Union's ratification and urged other states to expedite their ratification processes.
Relaunch of High Ambition Coalition
Kadis announced the EU's relaunch of the High Ambition Coalition for BBNJ in partnership with the Seychelles and Palau. This coalition, now with 37 subscribing countries, aims to serve as a collaborative forum for nations united by the ambition to implement the agreement effectively. The coalition seeks to balance diverse state interests while fostering experience sharing and mutual support.
Concrete Support and Funding
Beyond declarations, Kadis disclosed a concrete action plan: the launch of the EU’s Global Ocean Programme with a €40 million budget, the largest dedicated initiative to date. The first tranche of €10 million funds an on-demand Technical Facility managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This facility aims to aid partner countries in ratifying and implementing the BBNJ Agreement’s provisions, including sustainable use of biodiversity and benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources.
Policy Orientations and Stakeholder Impacts
The speech signals a clear policy orientation towards enhancing EU influence in international ocean governance (increasing EU strength in this sector) while promoting multilateral cooperation. The approach leans towards expanding regulation and supervision of biodiversity in the High Seas, emphasizing environmental protection over unregulated economic exploitation.
Business sectors such as fishing and marine biotechnology may face increased regulation and compliance costs due to benefit-sharing provisions and conservation measures. National authorities of EU member states and partner countries gain access to technical and financial support to meet implementation challenges, potentially easing administrative burdens. Environmental NGOs and civil society groups could welcome the reinforced commitments and funding, as these enhance conservation prospects. EU taxpayers bear the financial cost of the program, but with targeted investment aimed at global ocean sustainability.
Commissioner Kadis’ speech puts forth both declarative backing and substantial policy instruments, representing a measured yet strategic step towards strengthening international cooperation and institutional structures for the High Seas biodiversity challenge.