Last April 23, the Commission launched a public consultation to help shape the European Ocean Act, a key legislative proposal under the European Ocean Pact, set for adoption in 2026. The Ocean Act aims to strengthen ocean governance in the EU, serving as a single reference point for all economic, climate, environmental, and social targets to protect and sustainably use ocean resources.
Running until 16 July 2026, the consultation invites stakeholders, public authorities and administrations, experts, citizens, and coastal communities to share their views via a structured questionnaire. This consultation aims to ensure the future Ocean Act meets real-world needs.
This follows an earlier call for evidence in January.
Key objectives of the European Ocean Act
More concretely, the European Ocean Act will:
- Support the six priorities of the European Ocean Pact (including ocean health, competitiveness of the EU sustainable blue economy, support to coastal communities, knowledge and research, maritime security and defence, international ocean governance)
- Streamline EU Ocean Governance, reducing bureaucracy, reducing reporting, and making EU rules more efficient
- Bring the EU ocean-related targets under one roof for clearer identification.
- Modernise maritime spatial planning, reinforcing a sea-basin approach and improving coordination across sectors at national level.
- Create a legal basis for the governance of the OceanEye, the European ocean observation initiative.
- Align with the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive to enhance policy coherence and better integrate environmental objectives in maritime spatial planning.
Next steps
The Commission plans to adopt the legislative proposal by the end of 2026, as outlined in the Commission Work Programme 2026.
In developing the act, the Commission is seeking synergies between the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
For more information: European Commission
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