The events of 2025 are a bellwether for the growing importance of ocean diplomacy and ocean governance in the EU. The EU Ocean Pact, launched in June 2025, will unify ocean-related policies and promote a sustainable blue economy. Another milestone is the UN High Seas Treaty which has already been ratified by the EU but not yet by Ireland. Ireland already plays an active role in ocean governance as president of the Atlantic Strategy Committee for 2025, hosting events in Cork and Galway.

The new focus on maritime security, including energy infrastructure protection, maritime surveillance, migration, and protection of trade/transport routes introduces a political dimension to ocean diplomacy, beyond its economic and ecological priorities to date which underscores the importance of fostering collaboration, international engagement and diplomatic networks with international partners.

Ireland is well-placed to join up the dots on progress made in the areas of ocean governance and ocean diplomacy between its Atlantic Strategy Presidency in 2025 and its Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. Ireland will take over the rotating presidency from Cyprus, which together represent the eastern and western-most peripheral regions of the EU. The concerted efforts of their two presidencies to strengthen maritime strategies could rebalance an EU that has turned its attention increasingly towards its eastern land borders and could foster strategic partnerships and a web of trade agreements with new neighbours.