The European Commission has opened a call for evidence to help shape the upcoming European Ocean Act, a key legislative initiative planned for adoption in 2026. The consultation is open until 9 February 2026, inviting contributions from stakeholders, experts, and citizens across the EU.
A Key Step Toward the European Ocean Act
The European Ocean Act will be one of the main deliverables of the European Ocean Pact, aiming to ensure more coherent, effective, and forward‑looking maritime governance. The Act will serve as a single point of reference for all EU economic, climate, environmental, and social targets linked to ocean protection and sustainable use.
The initiative seeks to:
- Strengthen the coherence of EU maritime governance
- Improve implementation of existing EU ocean policies
- Enhance protection and sustainable use of ocean resources
- Reduce administrative burden through streamlined reporting
Building on Existing EU Frameworks
The European Ocean Act will build on the revision of key directives, including Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (2014/89/EU) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive
By aligning these policy tools, the Commission aims to promote a more efficient use of maritime space, structured governance of the European Ocean Observation System, and simplified reporting obligations.
Next Steps
A full public consultation will open in spring 2026.
The legislative proposal for the European Ocean Act is expected by the end of 2026, as confirmed in the Commission Work Programme.
More Information
- Official announcement: Commission seeks feedback on EU ocean policy
- Related EU policy context: Call for evidence on the European Ocean Act