Report | September 29, 2026
Blue Manifesto: The roadmap to a healthy ocean by 2030
The Blue Manifesto, launched in 2020, is a joint initiative of more than 140 civil society organisations across Europe, providing EU policy- and decision-makers with a science-based, time-bound roadmap to achieve a healthy and resilient ocean by 2030. Framed as a call to action, this Manifesto outlines key milestones to be reached by specific years towards ensuring sustainable ocean governance, halting biodiversity loss and pollution, and supporting a just transition to a climate-resilient and nature-positive economy. The vision it promotes is one of systemic transformation, aimed at safeguarding marine ecosystems, while delivering a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Previous assessments of progress under the Blue Manifesto have found that while some milestones were on track for partial delivery, the majority had not been fully met. This assessment of the updated Blue Manifesto roadmap provides a critical evaluation of the milestones scheduled for completion in 2024 and 2025, and an initial review of progress towards 2026 objectives. As many legislative proposals are still expected by year-end, assessment of the 2026 milestones remains preliminary. Consequently, the analysis focuses on the trajectory of ongoing legislative processes and the general direction they are taking, acknowledging that final proposals and the outcome of the inter-institutions negotiations that will follow will be necessary to fully assess their potential impact.

