PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Maritime straits used for international navigation are global lifelines. When they are blocked, or fees are charged for passage, our shared global community, security, supply lines and economies suffer.
On 12 October, European Union High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas announced a global pledge reaffirming the commitment of the EU and the international community to the principles of freedom of navigation – and opposing the introduction of new tolls or fees in international waterways.
The European Union has rallied partners around the world to preserve this, including during the UN General Assembly in September.
The pledge is now supported by more than 60 countries from around the globe – including the Kingdom of Cambodia and all EU Member States.
EU Ambassador Igor Driesmans stated: “The decision by Cambodia to join the pledge reflects our shared commitment to multilateralism, the rules-based order and international law. More broadly, the pledge shows that the international community firmly opposes any discriminatory measures, new tolls or fees in international waterways, and stands united for free and open seas.”
Full text of the pledge below (link):
Pledge on maintaining the integrity of the International Law of the Sea – No Fees/No Tolls
We emphasize the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the constitution of the oceans whose provisions generally reflect customary international law, and which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. We reiterate the need to maintain the integrity of the Convention.
Disruptions to maritime routes—including in strategically vital waterways—have demonstrated the global consequences of disregard for these principles, including significant impacts on international trade, energy flows, supply chains, and food security.
Introducing restrictions, conditions, discriminatory measures or other obstacles to lawful passage through straits used for international navigation would set a dangerous precedent for global strategic waterways. No State should impose discriminatory limits on the passage of ships through such waterways in a manner inconsistent with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS. This principle is vital for global security.
We hereby pledge to:
1. Champion Multilateral Cooperation
We will work within and support international and regional institutions responsible for maritime governance, safety, and security, particularly the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), recognizing that preserving a stable, open international maritime order based on the rule of law and international law is a shared global interest.
We support ongoing defensive and non-escalatory multilateral initiatives aimed at preserving the freedom of navigation.
2. Reject Coercion and Unilateral Action
We reject any coercive or unilateral action seeking to undermine or circumvent the international order based on international law as reflected in the UNCLOS, as well as the existing legal framework governing international navigation.
3. Oppose measures that would hamper or impair lawful navigation
We oppose any measures, including the imposition of unlawful fees, tolls, discriminatory restrictions, prior authorization requirements or other conditions, that would hamper or impair lawful navigation, through straits used for international navigation, or alter the existing legal framework governing the right of passage established under international law of the sea, as reflected in UNCLOS.
