EU Statement – UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: Adoption of BBNJ Treaty

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Madam President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia*, Albania*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Monaco align themselves with this statement.

Today we celebrate a historic achievement. The adoption of the BBNJ Treaty marks the successful end of more than a decade of multilateral work.  This new agreement is a welcome addition to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.

I note with satisfaction that the BBNJ was adopted by consensus.

The conclusion of the BBNJ Agreement was a priority of the European Union and its Member States. It is now a priority to ensure it swiftly enters into force and is effectively implemented.

Taken together with the very important agreement on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework last December, the BBNJ Treaty is a major win for biodiversity - a game changer for the protection of the ocean and the sustainable use of its marine resources.

In Montreal, we have agreed to effectively conserve and manage 30% of land and sea by 2030, in seven years’ time. Yet only around 1% of the high seas are currently protected. It is urgent to increase this figure, and the BBNJ Treaty allows us to act, as it sets up a procedure to establish marine protected areas in the high seas.

The European Union and its Member States are therefore committed to signing and ratifying the BBNJ Agreement as soon as possible. We urge others to do so too, as we hope the BBNJ Treaty will be universal and swiftly enter into force.

The European Union has also committed to support the Treaty’s ratification and early implementation through the EU Global Ocean Program of 40 million euros. The work on the allocation of funds under this program is now ongoing.

Madam President,

The Agreement we have reached is good for the oceans. It is also a landmark for a more global equity throughout all its chapters, in particular as it establishes the sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources and foresees capacity building and the transfer of marine technology. Furthermore, it contains clear rules to conduct environmental impact assessments with the right checks and balances.

Finally, the Treaty sets up a solid institutional system, with a self-standing secretariat, and decision-making provisions based on consensus, but allowing for a vote where all efforts at consensus have been exhausted. The EU and its Member States will make every effort at reaching consensus in implementing the Treaty, as the protection of oceans needs broad support to be effective.

As we celebrate the adoption of this landmark Treaty, I would like to congratulate our colleagues from the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea for their support. We stand ready to support them in any way we can in their upcoming work on this new phase of implementing the Treaty.

Finally, Madam President, I would like to warmly congratulate you today, on this important multilateral achievement. Your optimistic and resolute leadership, throughout this process, has made a mark on the Law of the Sea for many decades to come.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.