During a recent debate on the Outlook Opinion on the EU Oceans Pact, members of the European People's Party Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) underlined the importance of safeguarding the interests of island regions and strengthening EU support for aquaculture and local coastal communities.
Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz (Gozo, Malta), stressed that while islands face specific challenges, they also offer unique opportunities. “The creation of the largest protected marine area in the Azores proves that sustainability and economic prosperity can go hand in hand. Good governance is the key to making this work.”
Francisca Ramis Pons, Director General for Institutional Relations, Balearic Islands Government, made a strong plea for island inclusion in EU marine policies. “We rely on the sea for our economy and identity, yet our unique context is not reflected in policies. Europe must not forget its islands—we need inclusive policies that support our fisheries and blue economy.”
Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Poland) and Chair of the NAT Commission, highlighted the strategic importance of aquaculture for food security. “Our seas, oceans, and inland waters are essential sources of food. Aquaculture must be recognized as a cornerstone of EU food safety.”
Aires Pereira, Mayor of Póvoa de Varzim (Portugal), voiced support for the Pact’s focus on blue innovation. He believes municipalities must be recognized and empowered as key actors in ocean sustainability.
The opinion adopted by the CoR points out that a holistic approach does not imply uniform blanket policies applied indiscriminately across all regions without careful consideration of local differences. Instead, it must reflect the diverse needs and interests of regional and local communities, recognising that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ model is neither effective nor sustainable. In this regard, it calls for maritime policies to be developed in close collaboration with local and regional authorities (LRAs) and citizens, allowing for tailored, context-specific approaches that respect local specificities.
What is the EU Oceans Pact?
The EU Oceans Pact is a new political initiative launched by the European Commission to reinforce Europe’s role as a global leader in sustainable ocean governance. The Pact is intended to bring together Member States, regions, stakeholders, and citizens under a shared commitment to protect marine ecosystems, boost the sustainable blue economy, and ensure the long-term health of oceans, seas, and coastal areas.
The pact aims in particular to maintain a healthy, resilient, and productive ocean; promote a sustainable and competitive blue economy, including fisheries and aquaculture and work towards a comprehensive agenda for marine knowledge, research and innovation, and investment.