Deep-sea mining in the EU

22.3.2023

Question for written answer  E-000945/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Grace O'Sullivan (Verts/ALE)

The Commission has previously called for a ban on deep-sea mining until gaps in scientific knowledge are properly filled and it can be demonstrated this activity has no harmful effects. The EU biodiversity strategy states that the EU will support research on ‘environmentally friendly’ mining technologies.

Parliament has called three times for an international moratorium on deep-sea mining. The most recent resolution did not apply any conditions to this moratorium.

• 1.Can the Commission provide a summary of EU funding for deep-sea mining research, including the environmental criteria, that demonstrates that deep-sea mining has ‘no harmful effects’?
• 2.In the light of the Commission’s support for a moratorium, can it ensure that EU companies do not engage in deep-sea mining outside of EU waters or in the waters of developing countries while a moratorium is still pending?
• 3.Does the Commission have any examples, supported by the biodiversity strategy, of existing ‘environmentally friendly’ underwater mining technologies?

Submitted: 22.3.2023