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DRAFT OPINION (COM(2025)0173 – C100074/2025 – 2025/0090(COD))

On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction

PECH-PA-774485

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Emma Fourreau

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

The draft opinion supports the Commission's proposal to transpose the BBNJ Agreement into EU law and suggests targeted amendments to align it with the Agreement, focusing on environmental assessments, stakeholder collaboration, and implementation.

Committee position. The Committee on Fisheries proposes amendments to align the directive with the BBNJ Agreement, focusing on environmental assessments, stakeholder collaboration, and implementation.

Key points

  1. Welcomes the Commission's proposal for a directive to integrate the BBNJ Agreement into EU law and agrees with the need for swift transposition.
  2. Amends Article 8(6) to clarify that the exception for environmental impact assessments applies only when conditions under Article 29(4) of the BBNJ Agreement are met.
  3. Amends Article 17(2) to require Member States to collaborate and consult with relevant stakeholders, including fisheries stakeholders, on proposals for area-based management tools.
  4. Adds a new paragraph to Article 18 allowing Member States to adopt more stringent measures in support of the BBNJ Agreement's objectives.
  5. Amends Article 18(2) to include the Commission when applicable in promoting measures under relevant bodies to support BBNJ decisions.
  6. Adds a new paragraph to Article 18 encouraging third countries to adopt measures supporting BBNJ decisions on area-based management tools.
  7. Introduces a recital referencing the European Ocean Pact and the EU's EUR40 million contribution to the Global Ocean Programme.
  8. Introduces a recital on international cooperation, calling for a common coordinated approach with RFMOs and Regional Seas Conventions.

Who is affected

  • Member States and the Commission, in implementing the BBNJ Agreement and coordinating with regional fisheries bodies.
  • Fisheries stakeholders, who are to be collaborated with and consulted on area-based management proposals.
  • Third countries entitled to become Parties to the BBNJ Agreement, encouraged to support decisions on marine protected areas.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR40 million contribution to the Global Ocean Programme, as mentioned in the European Ocean Pact.