Photo: Stockfile/FIS

EU and Iceland Forge Stronger Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Management

EUROPEAN UNION
Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

The European Union and Iceland have cemented their commitment to ocean health, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation on sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and scientific research. The agreement underscores a shared vision for robust ocean governance and biodiversity protection in the North-East Atlantic and beyond.

BRUSSELS – In a significant step towards enhanced global ocean stewardship, the European Union and Iceland today formalized a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening their collaboration on fisheries and ocean affairs. The landmark agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for broader cooperation on critical priorities, including the pursuit of sustainable fishing practices, intensified scientific research, and robust marine conservation efforts.

Map: North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC)

The MoU also reinforces joint initiatives dedicated to protecting vital marine biodiversity and supporting the energy transition within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, signaling a united front on environmental sustainability.

The agreement was signed by Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, and Iceland's Minister of Industry, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson. Both officials reaffirmed the deep-rooted partnership between the EU and Iceland, a relationship built on shared values, mutual interests, and a long history of cooperative efforts in maritime affairs.

A key feature of this renewed commitment is the establishment of an annual high-level dialogue, designed to monitor progress and advance cooperation in areas of common interest. This dialogue will be hosted alternately by the EU and Iceland, with the inaugural meeting slated for early 2026.

Strengthening Conservation and Global Commitments

During discussions, Commissioner Kadis and Minister Friðriksson addressed a range of pressing fisheries and ocean-related issues. These included the urgent need for a comprehensive agreement on shared fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic, the promotion of a sustainable blue economy, and the crucial aspects of cetacean (whale and dolphin) conservation and welfare. Both parties emphasized that international cooperation is paramount to ensuring that marine policies are consistently guided by the best available scientific advice.

The EU and Iceland also recognized the importance of aligning their efforts to implement global biodiversity commitments. This includes actively pursuing the objectives outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a pivotal international agreement aimed at ensuring sustainable human activities and the protection of vulnerable species worldwide.

Urgent Call for Action on Ocean Governance

Further highlighting their shared dedication to global maritime governance, the EU and Iceland jointly underscored the urgency of swiftly ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. This landmark treaty is expected to significantly enhance the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Both parties reiterated their commitment to advancing global ocean governance through effective multilateral cooperation.

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding reinforces the EU’s leadership in ocean diplomacy, a core objective of the European Ocean Pact. By actively promoting effective ocean governance on a global scale, the EU aims to safeguard the health of our oceans, protect biodiversity, and support the well-being of communities worldwide that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.

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