Africa-Europe ocean cooperation report released

Established by the European Commission in partnership with the African Union Commission, the group operates under the Africa-Europe Foundation and is funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.

The report highlights a significant gap in ocean governance within the Africa-Europe Partnership, despite the acknowledged need for collective action. As global milestones approach, including the UNFCCC COP 29 and the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, the report outlines strategies for reinforcing cooperation.

Executive vice-president for European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maroš Šefčovič, welcomed the report. “I share the persuasion, clearly stated in the report, that is now high time for Europe and Africa to further develop their cooperation on ocean-related issues, given the poor state of the ocean and the need to accelerate collective action to meet the targets set in the UN 2030 Agenda,” he said.

“Africa and Europe have a real opportunity and joint responsibility here to take concrete actions.’

Key proposals include promoting mutual understanding of ocean priorities, sharing indigenous and modern knowledge and boosting international momentum for ocean governance.

The report introduces a comprehensive action plan, the ‘Roadmap for an Enhanced Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership’, detailing 17 priority actions and more than 100 specific activities.

The European Commission will now review these recommendations to determine their integration into its 2025 work programme.