European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Opening Remarks by Commissioner Kadis at the First Meeting of the High- Level Expert Group “European Ocean Board” Brussels, 31 March 2026 Distinguished members of the European Ocean Board, observers, and colleagues from the Commission, It is my great honour to welcome you to this inaugural meeting of the European Ocean Board. Your presence here today marks a pivot...
European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Opening Remarks by Commissioner Kadis at the First Meeting of the High- Level Expert Group “European Ocean Board” Brussels, 31 March 2026 Distinguished members of the European Ocean Board, observers, and colleagues from the Commission, It is my great honour to welcome you to this inaugural meeting of the European Ocean Board. Your presence here today marks a pivotal moment—not only in the implementation of the European Ocean Pact, but in the evolution of European ocean governance itself. This is the first Commission mandate to feature a dedicated Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries, and the first time we have the privilege of being guided by a Board of high-level experts on marine affairs altogether. I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for answering our call—for generously sharing your expertise and committing your time to this important endeavour. The wide range of experience in this room—spanning fisheries, aquaculture, maritime industries, research, ocean observation, civil society, and coastal communities—exemplifies the cross-sectoral collaboration we aimed to cultivate, and that the implementation of the Ocean Pact will require. I see former Commissioners seated beside youth representatives, and this gives me hope. It signals that to craft a framework for the future, we are forging policies hand in hand with those who will live with their outcomes—and, critically, benefit from their success. In June 2025, the Commission adopted the European Ocean Pact—a groundbreaking framework to consolidate and upgrade the EU's ocean-related policies under a single, unified framework. The Pact sets out 90 concrete actions, including 30 flagship initiatives, to be developed and delivered during this mandate. Together, they represent a profound shift in how we engage with the ocean and its resources. The Ocean Pact establishes a unified, holistic approach—one that recognises the ocean as a living system upon which millions of Europeans depend for their livelihoods, well-being, and cultural heritage. The Pact rests on six interdependent priorities: Protecting and restoring ocean health, Strengthening the competitiveness of the sustainable blue economy, Supporting coastal, island, and outermost regions, Advancing ocean research, knowledge, skills, and innovation, Enhancing maritime security and defence, and Reinforcing EU Ocean diplomacy and international governance. To protect and restore ocean health, the Commission already adopted the Water Resilience Strategy and is promoting the expansion and more effective management of our Marine Protected Areas. To boost the blue economy, besides the recent adoption of the Ports and Industrial Maritime Strategies, the forthcoming Tourism Strategy will promote sustainable tourism and the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Regulation and the forthcoming Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture together with the energy transition roadmap will address the challenges affecting the sector. Coastal, island and outermost regions face specific challenges but also unique opportunities. We are working on strategies for each of them to strengthen their resilience and support sustainable economic activity in those regions. As we know that knowledge underpins effective policies, another priority will be the OceanEye, our flagship initiative on ocean observation. In addition to establishing governance for our European Ocean Observation System via the Ocean Act and to delivering the Digital Twin of the Ocean, we aim to lead an international alliance, rallying support for the Global Ocean Observing System. In addition, we also work on a strategy for ocean research and innovation. In terms of maritime security, we have adopted initiatives such as the action plan on cable security or the drones and counter-drone security. And just as the ocean knows no borders, Europe's ocean ambition must also extend beyond our own shores into a global commitment. We were very glad to see the BBNJ Agreement entering into force and now work with Member States and the High Ambition Coalition to ensure a swift implementation. We are also working on a Communication proposing a strategic framework for our fisheries' external action, and on an Arctic strategy. Finally, new governance tools will strengthen coordination across policies. The European Ocean Act, our legislative proposal, will be ready by the end of this year. It will aim to modernise Europe's maritime governance, strengthen coordination and simplify the regulatory environment. It will build on the revision of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, in synergy with that of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. We are also developing a Pact dashboard to enable the public to be informed about implementation progress. And of course, this Ocean Board is also a key element of this new governance approach. Ladies and Gentlemen, From the outset, we recognised that the Pact's success would depend on continuous, meaningful engagement with stakeholders. That is why the Pact announced the establishment of the European Ocean Board—a high-level expert group embedded within the Pact's governance structure. Your mandate centres on three core functions: First, to advise the Commission on the Pact's implementation. This is not a symbolic role. We need your valuable assessments: What is working? What is not? Where must we adjust course? Second, to provide strategic counsel on specific challenges related to the Pact. When we face tough decisions—whether on priorities, trade-offs, or emerging threats or opportunities—we will rely on your guidance. And to foster dialogue among members. You represent diverse sectors, regions, and perspectives, and the true power of this Board lies in the synergy of those viewpoints. The whole must become greater than the sum of its parts. Let me clarify how this Board fits into the existing landscape: The Advisory Councils—some of whom join us today as observers—remain the primary consultative bodies at regional level for fisheries and aquaculture under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Their detailed, sector-specific advice on CFP implementation remains indispensable. The European Blue Forum continues as a moderated platform for all sea users to discuss shared challenges, exchange knowledge, and co-develop solutions for a sustainable blue economy. Sea basin cooperation and Regional Sea Conventions will continue to support EU marine policies by coordinating action among Member States and neighbouring countries within shared sea basins. The Ocean Board does not replace any of these. Instead, it complements them by creating a space for high-level, cross-sectoral exchange — a forum where stakeholder organisations can provide strategic oversight, identify critical connections, and bridge persistent gaps. Your role is to ensure the Pact's actions are delivered effectively, efficiently, and equitably. Our agenda for this first meeting is structured in three parts: First, the Director-General of DG MARE, Charlina Vitcheva, will provide further elements on the state of play of the implementation of the Ocean Pact. Second, we will open the floor for your input. I am grateful to Charlina for kindly agreeing to moderate this session. We will explore four key questions, which you received in advance. Third, we will hear from our observers. While they do not participate in formal advice, their insights and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our deliberations. As we embark on this collective journey, I ask you to keep the ocean—and the people who depend on it—at the heart of every discussion. What truly matters is whether our seas are healthier, our coastal communities are thriving, and we leave our legacy we can be proud of for future generations. For the remainder of this mandate, we will regularly sit together, review progress, and refine our approach. Thank you for being here. Let us begin. SPEECH/26/765
Speech Brief