Mr. President, 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. Since this is the first time I am taking the floor at this meeting, I would like to start by congratulating you on your election, as well as the new members of the Bureau. I would like to assure you of our cooperation throughout this session. 

The European Union and its Member States would like to express their continued support to the work of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, a body endowed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea with crucial functions for the settlement of disputes in regard to the interpretation and application of the Convention. We consider that it has not only been responsible for the development of the jurisprudence related to the law of the sea, but has also contributed greatly to the maintenance of peaceful relations among States: one of the main aims of the United Nations and multilateralism. Once again, we reaffirm our engagement in promoting the authority of the Tribunal in its mandate to ensure the peaceful settlement of disputes under UNCLOS in accordance with its rules and with Article 2, paragraph 3 of the UN Charter. 

Mr. President, 

The European Union and its Member States would like to commend the President of the Tribunal for the extensive annual report that was submitted. As usual, the report contains comprehensive and well-structured information on the overall activity of the Tribunal as well as a detailed description of its work during 2020. 

The European Union and its Member States would like to congratulate all the newly elected members of the Tribunal and its Chambers, and to commend the Registrar for the successful execution of the election procedure held in very challenging circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The European Union and its Member States greatly appreciate the judicial, legal and administrative work of the Tribunal. The judicial activity of the Tribunal stands as proof, once again, of the ever-increasing significance of its role for the peaceful settlement of disputes and the development of the law of the sea jurisprudence. The sessions devoted to legal, judicial or organizational matters are illustrative of the continuous efforts of the 

Tribunal to improve its efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the administration of justice.  

We further wish to commend the Tribunal on the adoption of measures to protect the health of its members and of the Registry Staff, efficiently adapting the working methods of the Tribunal to ensure its continued effective operation during the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in being able to hold its fiftieth session, in hybrid format.  

The European Union and its Member States value the comprehensive work of the Registry with regard to the declarations under Articles 287 and 298 of the Convention, in preparing reports and information papers, and thus operationalizing efficiently the activity of the Tribunal.   

The European Union and its Member States would like to express their strong appreciation to the Tribunal for encouraging dialogue between the Judges of the Tribunal, the academic world, international organizations and those working in the field of maritime affairs like  the symposium co-hosted with the International Maritime Organization of flag State responsibilities,.  

These joint efforts are important to promote research and the progressive development of international law. 

We also recognize with appreciation the contribution to capacity-building in the field of the law of the sea by the internship programme of the Tribunal, by the Summer Academy of the International Foundation for the Law of the Sea, held virtually in 2020, as well as the training programme on dispute settlement under the Convention conducted with the support of the Nippon Foundation, which further contributes to the enhancement of dispute settlement capabilities, in particular of developing countries. 

Mr. President, 

Over its 25 years of functioning in support of the Convention, the Tribunal has been seized with different issues related to maritime disputes. It has always served the international community at the highest level of knowledge and professionalism, providing a sound and accurate interpretation and application of our Constitution of the Oceans – the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.  

Consequently, allow me to conclude by reiterating that the European Union and its Member States firmly stand by the Tribunal, as a pillar for the dispute settlement architecture set forth under UNCLOS. We commend its enduring efforts, ever since its establishment in 1996, to contribute, not only to friendly relations between nations, but also to serve the purpose of peace, security and rule of law. 

Thank you, Mr. President.