EU Ratification of High Seas Treaty: Critical Progress as Global Ocean Conference Approaches

• The European Union and six of its Member States have ratified the BBNJ Agreement, bringing the international community one step closer to the 60 ratifications required for entry into force.
• Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, and Slovenia join the growing number of states committed to protecting marine biodiversity.
• OceanCare emphasizes that other countries must now swiftly follow to reach the critical threshold needed for this landmark Agreement to become international law.

OceanCare welcomes the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement by the European Union and six of its Member States, bringing the international community one step closer to reaching the 60 ratifications required for the Agreement to enter into force. A group of European Union countries — Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, and Slovenia — has joined the growing number of states that have ratified this important Agreement, marking a significant milestone on the path towards its entry into force. 

Johannes Müller, Ocean Policy Specialist at OceanCare, commented: 

“With the Third UN Ocean Conference around the corner, this collective ratification effort by the EU and its Member States underscores the EU’s ongoing commitment to protecting marine biodiversity. Other countries must now swiftly follow to reach the 60 ratifications needed for the Agreement to enter into force. The ocean is in a dire state, and this Agreement can bring meaningful change for the ocean and marine life, but for that it needs to enter into force and be effectively implemented.” 

The EU countries’ ratification sends a clear message of political will and sets an example for other nations to follow. Now, the international community must accelerate the race for ratification — and prepare for the critical task of turning promises into protection.  

Fabienne McLellan, Managing Director at OceanCare, added: 

“While this wave of ratifications is a major step forward, it is only the beginning. The true test lies in implementation. To deliver tangible benefits for marine life, coastal communities, and future generations, the commitments enshrined in the BBNJ Agreement must be translated into real action.” 

Often referred to as the “High Seas Treaty,” the BBNJ Agreement is a landmark international framework that addresses significant gaps in ocean governance. It comes at a critical time, as the ocean faces mounting pressures from climate change, overfishing, and increasing threats from pollution, such as underwater noise. A healthy and resilient ocean plays a crucial role in combating climate change by absorbing a significant portion of CO₂ emissions and delivering essential ecosystem functions.  

Notably, the high seas or areas beyond national jurisdiction — which make up two-thirds of the ocean — are vital to maintaining these processes on a global scale. By establishing a framework for marine protected areas, regulating environmental impact assessments, and promoting capacity-building and technology transfer, the Agreement offers crucial tools to safeguard marine ecosystems that are key to both biodiversity conservation and climate stability.

Background information

The High Seas Treaty (officially “Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction” or UNCLOS BBNJ Agreement) was finalised on 4 March 2023 after a process of nearly two decades. The high seas cover nearly two-thirds (64%) of the global Ocean — almost half the planet’s entire surface. Currently, less than 1% of these areas are fully protected. 

The Treaty provides the first cohesive and comprehensive, international and legally binding framework to protect high seas biodiversity, addressing major gaps in ocean governance. Following the formal adoption of the Treaty text by negotiating States at the UN on 19 June 2023, 60 ratifications are needed for it to enter into force. After the 60th ratification is deposited with the UN Secretary-General, a 120-day countdown begins before the Treaty becomes international law. 

The Treaty establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting marine biodiversity through several key mechanisms: marine protected areas in international waters, environmental impact assessments for activities that could harm marine biodiversity, fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources, and capacity building and technology transfer for developing states. It also sets up mechanisms for further international cooperation and coordination.

Publications 

• High Seas Alliance: High Seas Treaty Ratification Tracker  
• OceanCare: High Seas Treaty (UNCLOS BBNJ)  
• High Seas Alliance Factsheet: High Seas Treaty 2023