EU Commits Over €338 Million to Safeguard the World’s Oceans at the Our Ocean Conference 2026
Brussels, June 2026 – The European Union has announced a landmark commitment of €338.35 million to support global ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, and maritime security during the Our Ocean Conference 2026 held in Mombasa, Kenya. The announcement was made by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, reinforcing the EU’s position as a global leader in ocean governance and blue sustainability.
The conference, themed “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” brought together governments, civil society organizations, scientists, and private sector representatives from around the world to address pressing challenges facing the oceans. The event highlighted the importance of protecting marine ecosystems while supporting the economic and cultural well-being of coastal communities.
Strategic Areas of Investment
The EU’s financial commitment will support a series of targeted initiatives designed to enhance ocean sustainability and maritime resilience worldwide.
Strengthening Ocean Science and Monitoring
A significant portion of the funding will support the Global Ocean Observing System and the European Commission’s OceanEye initiative, improving scientific data collection and evidence-based policymaking. Better monitoring systems are essential for understanding climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and the health of marine ecosystems.
Enhancing Maritime Security
The EU also plans to strengthen maritime security in strategically important regions, including the Southern Red Sea, the Horn of Africa, and the Gulf of Aden. Investments will target challenges such as piracy, unsafe navigation, and regional instability that threaten international trade and marine resources.
Promoting Africa’s Blue Economy
Through initiatives such as BlueInvest Africa, the European Union aims to accelerate sustainable ocean-based economic development across Africa. The programme will foster partnerships between investors and entrepreneurs and support high-impact projects that generate employment, promote innovation, and encourage sustainable use of marine resources.
Combating Illegal Fishing
The funding package also includes measures to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, one of the most significant threats to marine biodiversity and global food security. Strengthening fisheries governance and monitoring systems is expected to improve the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fisheries.
A Global Commitment to Ocean Sustainability
The European Union’s €338.35 million pledge demonstrates its recognition that healthy oceans are fundamental to environmental sustainability, food security, economic development, and climate resilience. The initiative aligns closely with the European Commission’s recently adopted Coastal Communities Strategy, which seeks to balance environmental protection with social and economic sustainability in coastal regions.
As climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, and overfishing continue to place unprecedented pressure on ocean ecosystems, international cooperation has become increasingly critical. The EU’s new commitments signal not only substantial financial support but also a broader vision of shared global responsibility for protecting the oceans as a common heritage and securing a resilient and thriving marine future for generations to come.
