European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has firmly rejected a recommendation to explore deep-sea mining to boost the EU’s competitiveness. The proposal was put forward in September by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in a 400 page document outlining a possible competitiveness strategy for the EU. The Commission’s restated position against deep-sea mining comes just a few weeks after a joint letter from leading European environmental NGOs, ahead of November’s European Parliament hearings of Commissioners-designate.
On 17 September, a coalition of 16 European environmental NGOs, including Seas At Risk, sent a letter to European Commission President von der Leyen, urging her to oppose deep-sea mining as a proposed growth opportunity in the Draghi report. The NGOs raised serious concerns about the environmental and financial risks posed by this destructive industry, urging the Commission to maintain its precautionary stance on deep-sea mining.
A von der Leyen representative now reaffirms the Commission’s stance on deep-sea mining. The response letter clarifies that the Commission remains committed to prohibiting deep-sea mining until scientific uncertainties are addressed and its environmental safety can be guaranteed. “There is a broad consensus in the scientific community and among States that knowledge related to the deep-sea environment and the impacts of mining are not comprehensive enough,” the letter reads, referencing the EU’s 2022 Joint Communication on International Ocean Governance.
The confirmation from the EU Commission is especially significant given that von der Leyen has asked her incoming commissioners to draw on Draghi’s report in shaping future policies in their mission letters. It shows that even as the Draghi report influences broader economic and industrial strategies in the EU, deep-sea mining remains off-limits.
With 11 EU nations already backing a precautionary pause, moratorium or outright ban on the industry – out of 32 countries globally who share this position – this confirmation of the EU’s commitment should embolden more countries within the bloc to take a similar stand.
Posted on: 10 October 2024
