The oceans are the beating heart of the planet, but the man continues to exploit them without respite. During the Paris summit, the president of the European Council, António Costa, reiterated his commitment to their protection, transforming the marine crisis into a global mission. The future of the sea is in our hands
“SOS Ocean!”Europe raises the voice to save the seas
The president of European Councilthe Portuguese António Costa, presided over in Paris on 30 and 31 March 2025 a crucial meeting on the future of the oceans. The summit anticipates the third Conference of the United Nations on the Oceans, scheduled in Nice in June, co-organized by France and Costa Rica.
The event, promoted by Blue Ocean Foundationhighlighted the urgency of a coordinated action for the safeguarding of the seas. Civil society, the scientific community and governments must act together to protect an ecosystem that guarantees life on earth.
During the opening session of the International Conference “SOS Ocean!”, Costa praised President Macron for his constant commitment in the protection of the oceans. He also recognized the fundamental role of science and civil society in facing this global emergency. Reiterated the need for a radical approach change: “We can no longer turn our back on the oceans,” The president has closed, since they represent an essential resource for the planet and for whole humanity.
A ocean that suffers, a danger in danger
The ocean covers most of the planet, regulates the climate and hosts 80% of world biodiversity. Yet, for centuries, humanity has ignored its importance. “We have even called our planet” earth “, when in reality the oceans cover most of the surface, they shape their climate and make life possible on earth”. Costa thus underlined the concept, citing Jules Verne and his famous “Twenty thousand alloys under the seas”.
The ocean absorbs 90% of the excess heat, produces half of the oxygen that we breathe and captures 25% of carbon dioxide emissions. Without a healthy ocean, the fight against climate change becomes impossible. Marine ecosystems, however, are increasingly threatened by pollution, acidification, excessive fishing and global warming.
The ocean is also the beating heart of the world economy. 90% of global goods travel by sea and 99% of communications take place through submarine cables. The dependence on the seas is total, yet their protection remains secondary in the global political agenda.
The European Union on the front line
Ten days ago, European leaders discussed the ocean crisis for the first time during the European Council with the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres. The EU recognized the climatic crisis, pollution and loss of biodiversity as global threats, putting the ocean at the center of its environmental and geopolitical strategy.
“The European Council has recognized the triple planetary crisis represented by climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity. The deterioration of the health of the oceans and climate changes make our populations and economies more vulnerable “, HA Continue António Costa.
The EU aims to reach climatic neutrality by 2050, spotting the emissions of maritime transport. This goal opens the way to new employment opportunities in the Green Technologies Sector. Investing in the energy transition linked to the oceans means reducing dependence on fossil fuels and developing new sources of sustainable energy.
The ocean will be the great European mission. «Some point to the moon or Mars. Europe must look at the ocean as in its mission for 2050 “, The president declared. The research, innovation and sustainable governance of the oceans will be at the center of the European strategy for the next decades.
An economy that depends on the sea
Energy, food and economic safety of Europe depends on the oceans. 40% of Europeans live in coastal areas, which generate equally of EU GDP. The blue economy uses 3.6 million people in sectors such as fishing, tourism, marine energy and maritime transport. This sector represents a growth engine which, if managed with foresight, will be able to combine economic development and environmental protection.
75% of foreign trade and 40% of the internal one take place by sea. The EU is the second world market for the trade in fish products and the third for consumption. However, marine resources are exploited beyond the limits of sustainability. A paradigm change is needed to avoid the collapse of marine ecosystems and guarantee the future of communities that depend on fishing and marine resources.
The oceans also play a key role in renewable energy. Europe is investing in the offshore ery and technologies to exploit the energy of the tides and waves. These innovations can transform the energy sector and contribute to the fight against climate change.
Protection and diplomacy: a European priority
The EU undertakes to protect 30% of lands and seas by 2030. It has played a crucial role in Treated on the high sea And now he pushes for his rapid ratification. The protection of oceans is a question of global security, which requires cooperation between states and investments in research and monitoring.
«We have established the aim of protecting 30% of our lands, waters and seas by 2030, as part of the global framework for Kunming-Montréal biodiversity -continued Costa -. We played a decisive role in the conclusion of the Treaty on the Upper Sea. Now it’s time to ratify it and implement it ».
The European Council has urged a decisive action to strengthen ocean diplomacy and guarantee the economic and environmental sustainability of the oceans. The protection of maritime routes, the safety of submarine infrastructures and the prevention of conflicts related to marine resources are key elements of the European strategy.
Europe cannot afford to slow down. He must act urgently, focus on science and strengthen international cooperation. The oceans are a global resource, and the world counts on European commitment to guarantee their future.
“We are not the generation that will close the eyes” concludes IL President António Costa. “We will be the one who has chosen to act.” The message is clear: the defense of the oceans is a challenge no longer postponable. In Nice, next June, world leaders will be called to demonstrate that political will can turn into concrete actions.