Three thematic working groups are bringing together experts from various backgrounds. Members of the working groups participate in dedicated workshops to address questions formulated in discussion papers on certain topics of interest for the development of future action and recommendations. Working groups consider all elements, including regulatory, financial, capacity-building, knowledge tools and instruments for advancing international ocean governance, along with the role the EU can/could play to strengthen international ocean governance.

Thematic Working Group 1 - 'Improving the International Ocean Governance Framework' concentrates on key opportunities and points of action in which the EU can play a leading role to strengthen international ocean governance. It looks specifically at the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDG 14, the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, and on ocean governance in a fast changing climate. 

Leads: Sebastian Unger, TMG - Think Tank for Sustainability and Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), Ben Boteler, TMG - Think Tank for Sustainability and Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) and Barbara Neumann, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS)
Co-chairs: Hélisène Habart (EEAS) and Marc Richir (DG MARE)
Links to: Flyer,  Discussion Paper,  Launching Webinar, Online Workshops

Thematic Working Group 2 - ‘Reducing pressure on the ocean and seas and creating the conditions for a sustainable blue economy’ focuses on how the international ocean governance framework is put in practice to deliver a clean, healthy and productive ocean. Topics discussed include: mitigating the harmful effects of climate change; managing ocean food resources sustainably; creating the right conditions for supporting a sustainable blue economy; managing and sharing marine space sustainably (enhancing in particular the coherence and effectiveness of area-based management tools).

Leads: Pierre Strosser (ACTeon), Camille Parrod (ACTeon) and Olga Mashkina (ACTeon)

Co-chairs: Marijana MANCE (DG ENV) and John Brincat (DG MARE)
Links to: Flyer,  Discussion Paper,  Launching Webinar,  Online Workshops

Thematic Working Group 3 - ‘Strengthening international ocean research, data and knowledge’ focuses on how the EU can provide leadership to further advance the role of science in international ocean governance particularly within the framework of the upcoming UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021 – 2030). Strong international cooperation is needed to support ocean research, develop shared data frameworks, improve earth and ocean observation systems, and strengthen ocean science-policy interfaces to support actions in tackling threats to ocean health, their cumulative impacts, and realizing the potential of the sustainable blue economy.

Leads: Sheila Heymans (EMB) and Britt Alexander (EMB)  

Co-chairs: Sigi Gruber (DG RTD), Iglika Yakova (DG MARE)
Links to: Flyer,  Discussion Paper,  Launching Webinar,  Online Workshops