VP/HR — Protection of the waters around Antarctica

3.7.2018

Question for written answer E-003663-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Ricardo Serrão Santos (S&D)

Within the framework of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the EU is proposing the establishment of two large marine protected areas. Recent reports have highlighted not only how important the Southern Ocean around Antarctica is to the health of the ocean globally, but also how vulnerable it is to the effects of human-induced climate change, plastic pollution and overexploitation. By championing the protection of the waters around Antarctica, the EU would confirm its role as a leader in global ocean protection.

At last year’s Our Ocean conference, the Vice-President/High Representative made reference to this process, and to the EU’s commitment to protection of these waters. Unfortunately, some weeks later at the annual CCAMLR meeting, China and Russia blocked the proposed agreement.

The EU proposals will be considered again during the 2018 annual CCAMLR meeting, to be held in Hobart, Australia, in October. Prior bilateral engagement with China and Russia at a higher political level will be needed to secure a positive outcome. How will the VP/HR utilise upcoming opportunities to engage in bilateral consultations with China and Russia in order to secure their support for EU priorities?