EU approves High Seas Treaty, marking major step in international environmental law

EU approves High Seas Treaty, marking major step in international environmental law
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The European Union has ratified the UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty, marking a significant advancement in international environmental law, Jurist News reported. With 29 Member States, including Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, and Slovenia, ratifying the treaty, this represents the largest group ratification to date. The EU committed 40 million Euros through its Global Programme of Action to support African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries in adopting BBNJ and enhancing marine governance.

BBNJ, adopted after two decades of negotiations, focuses on four key areas: marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and marine technology transfer. It acts as a third implementing agreement to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), enabling the creation of large-scale marine protected areas in international waters.

The treaty aims to address ocean pollution, over-exploitation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The ratification comes amid concerns over pollution levels in EU seas and enforcement gaps. EU Commissioner Costas Kadis hailed the move as historic and urged global cooperation to protect the oceans and planetary ecosystems.