European Ocean Board convenes for first meeting to shape future of EU ocean policy

The European Ocean Board, a newly established high-level expert group to support the implementation of the European Ocean Pact, holds its inaugural meeting today in Brussels to advance the Pact's comprehensive strategy for the ocean.

Chaired by Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, the Board brings together 28 leading experts from across Europe, representing trade and business associations, academia, research institutes, non-governmental organisations, and youth organisations. Their collective mission is to provide strategic guidance on how to implement the Ocean Pact's ambitious goals, which include ocean health, blue economy competitiveness, coastal resilience, scientific research, maritime security, and global ocean governance.

Today's session will focus on exchanging views, identifying strategic priorities, and shaping the Board's future work programme, setting the stage for its long-term impact. The 28 Board members have been selected following an open call for applications.

The experts' varied backgrounds ensure that diverse perspectives are reflected, enabling informed and inclusive policy development based on expertise and practical experience. The Board will work alongside existing platforms, including the Fisheries Advisory Councils and the European Blue Forum, reinforcing a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to ocean management.

You can find more information, including the full list of Board members, online.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Anna Wartberger – Tel: +32 2 28 20 54)