EU Maritime Security & Defence: present and future Building the readiness and resilience of the EU sea-basins
EU Maritime Security & Defence: present and future
Building the readiness and resilience of the EU sea-basins
Hosted by MEP André Rodrigues, Vice-Chair of the SEArica Intergroup for Outermost Regions, Maritime Security, Defense and Critical Infrastructures
Organised with the support of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions
Tuesday 20 May, 18:00 – 20:00
European Parliament, Room Spinelli 3H1 , Brussels
In a context of mounting geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, and pressure on critical maritime infrastructure, the European Union is undergoing a transformation in its approach to security and defence. Maritime security and defence are integral to the EU’s global security posture: they secure critical routes, ensure the resilience of coastal and underwater energy infrastructure, protect the marine environment and resources, contribute to crisis response, and counter illicit activities at sea. As advised in the report by Special Adviser Sauli Niinistö in October 2024, strengthening Europe’s preparedness and resilience should call for a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, mobilising public authorities at multi-level, industry, civil society, and citizens. In this spirit, reinforcing maritime security becomes not only a strategic necessity but also a shared responsibility, as Special Adviser Sauli Niinistö outlines that “We share a single security”.
In this context, we invite you to join this timely conference.
Event Properties
| Event Date | 20-05-2025 18:00 |
| Event End Date | 20-05-2025 20:00 |
| Location | European Parliament Brussels |
| Categories | Conférence 2025-2029 |
| Attachment | Agenda_Maritime Security Defence_SEArica Event_.pdf |
the SEArica intergroup is re-established
Brussels, February 2025
Charting a new course: the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas Intergroup (SEArica) is re-established in the European Parliament
Continuing its longstanding mission since 2009, the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEArica) intergroup has been successfully re-established as one of the 28 intergroups of the European Parliament. SEArica unites Members of the European Parliament who share a commitment to elevating seas, oceans, and coastal challenges to the top of the European political agenda.
This re-establishment comes at a decisive moment for European maritime policies. By unveiling a European vision with the European Ocean Pact ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, Europe must lead the way toward ambitious international ocean governance. The European Ocean Pact was first announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines for 2024-2029, and later confirmed in the mission letter of Commissioner Costas Kadis.
“The European Ocean Pact is a great opportunity to strengthen our sovereignty, protect the environment, support sustainable jobs in the blue economy, and empower our coastal and island communities. To achieve this, we need an open dialogue with different political forces and stakeholders. The SEArica intergroup is the platform for such dialogue. Our launch event for the intergroup has shown that we can unite behind the European Ocean Pact. This pact can be a win-win for NGOs, industries, policymakers, and citizens alike,” declared Christophe Clergeau, Chair of SEArica Intergroup.
“Tonight, we gave the floor to representatives and stakeholders with different perspectives, yet united in the aim of shaping an ambitious European Ocean Pact—one that goes beyond mere promises, one that delivers results. This evening marks the beginning of a ‘blue coalition’ working towards this common goal,” added Christophe Clergeau.
The re-established intergroup will bring together co-legislators, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to work collaboratively on maritime and coastal challenges. In the presence of the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, and Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for the United Nations Ocean Conference, Ambassador for the Poles and Oceans, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, the SEArica’s inaugural event took place on February 5 in Brussels, setting sail on a new, timely journey for SEArica.
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What is an Intergroup?
The Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup is one of the 28 Intergroups that were approved in December 2024 by the Conference of Presidents for the 10th legislature of the European Parliament. Intergroups can be formed by MEPs from any political group and any parliamentary committee with a view to holding informal exchanges of views on particular issues and promoting contact between MEPs and civil society.
