The New Presidency: Remarks by the Irish Presidency of the EU Atlantic Strategy for 2025

It is a great honor for Ireland to assume the Presidency of the EU Atlantic Strategy for 2025. As custodians of this important initiative, our Presidency will be guided by the principles of collaboration and community.  We are committed to continuing the spirit of inclusivity within our sea basin strategy, to support the Atlantic region as a sustainable, resilient, and internationally connected maritime space.

The Atlantic Strategy is a cornerstone of European maritime cooperation, uniting as Member States and coastal and maritime regions to address shared opportunities and challenges. For Ireland, a country with deep historic and cultural ties to the Atlantic, this Presidency holds special significance. As we look forward, we see the potential within the Atlantic for an even more integrated approach to ensure sustainable use of our maritime space. 

 

Priority 1. Promoting the Atlantic Strategy from the Regional to the International

One of our key priorities is to promote the Atlantic Strategy through inclusivity for all stakeholders and to give visibility to the projects that bring our strategy to life.  The Atlantic connects our communities and provides a shared space for innovation.  By strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, including those beyond Europe and key international organizations—we can position the Atlantic Strategy as a model for sustainable blue growth and regional cooperation.

We recognize that the Atlantics health and prosperity depend on international collaboration. This includes promoting joint research, exchanging ideas and best practice. Under Irelands leadership, we will strive to make the Atlantic Strategy a bridge that connects Europe to the wider world, amplifying its value as a platform for dialogue.

Priority 2. Seeking Synergies with Other Sea Basin Initiatives

The interconnected nature of Europes seas demands a unified approach. While the Atlantic Strategy focuses on the specific challenges and opportunities of our basin, we understand the importance of aligning our efforts with other European sea basin initiatives. Ireland will work to identify common priorities ensuring that lessons learned in one region can benefit another.

Priority 3. Marine Spatial Planning Community of Practice

The Marine Spatial Planning approach as a key tool for sustainable development of our maritime space is an important policy area for Ireland.  We see this as cutting across all pillars of the Atlantic Action Plan 2.0 and we aim to develop a community of practice on Marine Spatial Planning for the Atlantic during our Presidency. 

Priority 4. Atlantic Action Plan 2.0

Our Action Plan is now five years old.  During Irelands Presidency, we will discuss reviewing this Action Plan to examine if it remains supportive of our needs in the Atlantic. 

Conclusion

The Atlantic Ocean has always been a source of opportunity, but it is also a shared responsibility. As we embark on our Presidency, Ireland is committed to working with all stakeholders—regional, national, and international—to ensure that the Atlantic Strategy delivers for people, businesses, and ecosystems.

Together, we can build a sustainable and vibrant future for the Atlantic, strengthening its role as a pillar of European cooperation. We look forward to leading this journey and thank all partners for their ongoing commitment to this vital strategy.

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