OCEAN WEEK 2026: 2027, THE EU’S DEFINING YEAR FOR THE OCEAN Moving an ambitious Ocean Act forward
OCEAN WEEK 2026:
2027, THE EU’S DEFINING YEAR FOR THE OCEAN
Moving an ambitious Ocean Act forward
Hosted by MEP Christophe Clergeau, SEArica Chair
Organised with the support of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions
WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 – 18:00 to 20:00
European Parliament, Room SPINELLI 3G2, Brussels
Since the publication of the Ocean Pact in June 2025, the European Union has moved forward with key strategies and announcements for its Ocean Policy. The announcement of the Ocean Eye, the publication of the Maritime Industrial Strategy, EU Ports Strategy, Strategies for Islands, for Coastal Communities, and for Outermost Regions, Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ocean R&I Strategy, and the proposed new financial architecture for the 2028-2034 MFF have all contributed to making 2026 a keystone year. The European Ocean Act can now finalise this ambition. Its expected publication in December 2026 will mark the end of this first phase of implementing the Pact and the start of legislative work on what has been framed as the cornerstone legislation for the future of EU ocean action.
This SEArica high-level Event within the context of the Ocean Week 2026 will serve as a major moment for discussing the way forward, as we seek to make 2027 a defining year for finalising and implementing the ambitions and objectives of the Ocean Pact.
Event Properties
| Event Date | 30-09-2026 18:00 |
| Event End Date | 30-09-2026 20:00 |
| Location | European Parliament Brussels |
| Categories | Conférence 2025-2029 |
| Attachment | Draft Agenda_2026 Ocean Week.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.
