Remarks by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at European Ocean Pact Event – UN Oceans Conference, 9 June 2025

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President Macron, President Von Der Leyen, Commissioner Kadis, distinguished guests.

I had the pleasure of sharing a stage with Commissioner Kadis a few short weeks ago in my home City of Cork, as together we opened European Maritime Day.

Central to that conference was the dialogue that took place on the Ocean Pact, which was of great interest to our maritime community.

So, it is particularly pleasing for me to be here today for the presentation of the European Ocean Pact.

It is fitting that we are in this beautiful setting looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea in the thriving port City of Nice. My home city of Cork is also a port, and these gateways to the world show the importance of the sea to our economies in terms of trade and tourism.

Europe’s relationship with our seas and oceans can be seen across all our coastal communities. These communities directly rely on healthy oceans and seas for their livelihoods, food, and cultural heritage. By restoring our marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable fishing, we will not only protect our marine environment but also preserve and strengthen all the special communities along our shores that call the coast their home.

This is one example of why the Pact is so important. With its presentation today, we are making a commitment to protect our marine ecosystems, to advance sustainable blue economies, and to increase our knowledge through research and innovation.

Ireland understands the need to protect our marine environment. As an island nation on the edge of Europe, the oceans and seas have shaped our history. They have provided food, created employment, inspired our poets, and linked us to the rest of the world.

Today, our maritime environment is a treasured national asset that yields a wide range of commercial and societal benefits through activities such as commercial fishing, transport, tourism, recreation, renewable energy, and cultural heritage.

It also plays a vital role in supporting marine life and biodiversity for a healthy planet.

From our geographical setting at the edge of the Atlantic, we recognise the need to prioritise the ocean agenda.

This is why we support this Pact. We understand the need for it, and we support its ambition.

Political leadership is crucial for the successful implementation of this Pact. It is important that we, as heads of State, continue to show that leadership and support President Von Der Leyen and Commissioner Kadis to ensure the success of the European Ocean Pact.

Ireland is very much looking forward to taking on the Presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2026. If work to drive the implementation of the Ocean Pact falls during our Presidency, we will ensure these are resourced and prioritised accordingly.

We acknowledge the need for sustainable funding to drive the implementation of the Pact. To move it from aspiration to reality. We look forward to working with colleagues from across Europe to ensure that the necessary resourcing is in place to secure our oceans and seas.

This Pact gives us the foundation for a coherent, European-wide approach to safeguarding our seas, and Ireland will work with its European partners to ensure future generations can enjoy healthy, resilient, and productive oceans and seas.

Thank you.