The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to support the preparation of the European Ocean Act, a legislative initiative foreseen for adoption in 2026. The call is open until 9 February 2026 and seeks contributions from public authorities, stakeholders, experts, and citizens involved in ocean-related policy and governance.
The European Ocean Act is a core deliverable of the European Ocean Pact and aims to enhance the coherence, effectiveness, and implementation of EU ocean and maritime policies. It is intended to serve as an overarching guide, aligning environmental, climate, economic, and social objectives related to the sustainable use and protection of marine resources.
The initiative will build on existing EU legislation, including the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, strengthen the governance and coordination of the European Ocean Observation System, and contribute to reducing administrative burden through more streamlined reporting requirements.
The input collected through this call for evidence will inform the policy design ahead of a broader public consultation planned for spring 2026. The legislative proposal is expected to be adopted by the end of 2026.
Stakeholders active in the Black Sea and other sea basins are encouraged to contribute, to ensure that regional perspectives and priorities are reflected in the future EU ocean governance framework.
For more information about the call for evidence, the process, the timeline, as well as share your feedback, you can access here.