The General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union has published an information note dated 3 July 2026 listing 229 working papers (WK documents) distributed in the Law of the Sea Working Party (COMAR) during the first semester of 2026. The note serves as a record of documents circulated for discussion, negotiation, and coordination among EU member states on a wide range of ocean governance issues.
The list covers documents related to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, including preparatory commission meetings, bureau meetings, and technical expert group discussions. It includes papers on the operationalization of the Clearing-House Mechanism under the BBNJ Agreement, as well as proposals for an advisory mechanism for Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and traditional knowledge. The EU and member state positions on the 'shadow fleet' and protection of critical undersea infrastructure are also documented, alongside draft declarations such as the Hamilton II Declaration on Sargasso Sea conservation. Additional topics include documents on the International Seabed Authority (ISA), advisory opinions from the Seabed Disputes Chamber of ITLOS, EU contributions to the UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea, and Council decisions authorizing negotiations with third countries to prevent illegal operations by the 'shadow fleet'. The list also includes operational summaries and agendas for COMAR meetings.
The compilation facilitates EU coordination and unified positions on key international ocean governance issues, particularly the BBNJ Agreement, and supports the EU's role in shaping its operationalization, including institutional and financial mechanisms. It enhances EU efforts to combat illegal maritime activities through international agreements and promotes conservation of marine biodiversity. The documents influence the EU's stance on deep-sea mining and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, while strengthening engagement with bodies like the ISA and ITLOS. The list may also impact EU fisheries and aquaculture competitiveness through ocean diplomacy.