The European Union has adopted an act to protect oceans and announced an investment of one billion euros for ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, and marine industry development. The plan includes expanding protected marine areas, supporting coastal communities, restoring fish stocks, and combating illegal fishing. Croatian MEP Željana Zovko emphasized the importance of this pact for small fishermen and the blue economy in Croatia. This initiative follows the Ocean Conference in Nice, where additional investments and expansions of protected areas in Europe were announced. Several countries have ratified an agreement to protect the world’s oceans beyond national jurisdictions. The European Commission plans to halve marine pollution from plastics and restore 20% of marine ecosystems.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the environmental and ecological importance of the EU’s investment, highlighting the need for sustainable fisheries, protection of marine biodiversity, and combating pollution. They focus on the social benefits for coastal communities and the global responsibility to protect oceans.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the EU’s investment as a significant step towards sustainable economic development, balancing environmental protection with economic interests such as the blue economy and fisheries. They highlight the political cooperation among EU member states and the strategic importance of ocean diplomacy.
Right: Right-leaning sources focus on the economic opportunities created by the EU’s investment, emphasizing support for small fishermen and the competitiveness of the EU fishing industry. They may also stress the importance of sovereignty and fair competition with third countries in marine resources exploitation.
