The European Commission has launched a public consultation to prepare the European Ocean Act, a legislative proposal expected by 2026. The initiative aims to gather the views of citizens, experts, public authorities and coastal communities on what is needed to better manage Europe’s seas. The consultation follows a previous call for evidence published in January, thereby launching a structured consultation process.
The European Ocean Act is a legislative proposal that forms part of the broader European Ocean Pact and aims to strengthen the protection of seas and oceans, promote the sustainable use of marine resources and coordinate EU policies related to the sea — ranging from the economy to the environment, from security to climate — also addressing challenges such as climate change and marine pollution.
Among its more concrete objectives are the simplification of EU maritime rules, with a reduction in bureaucracy and reporting obligations, improved coordination among Member States and economic sectors, and maritime spatial planning based on a sea-basin approach. It also provides for the creation of a legal basis for “OceanEye”, a European initiative dedicated to ocean monitoring and observation.
The Commission plans to adopt the legislative proposal by the end of 2026, as outlined in its annual work programme.
In developing the act, synergies will be sought between the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, with the aim of improving policy coherence and better integrating environmental objectives.
To participate in the consultation, a questionnaire can be completed by 16 July 2026.