Greater North Sea Basin Initiative - Antwerp Ministerial Declaration
The North Sea is one of the busiest seas in the world. It fulfills a crucial role for industries such as fishing, shipping and renewable energy. At the same time, the Greater North Sea Basin is home to a rich marine biodiversity, that is in poor ecological condition. Only through continued cross-sectoral and cross-border collaboration we can effectively address these challenges and balance human activities with a healthy ecosystem in the Greater North Sea Basin. With this intention, the Greater North Sea Basin Initiative (GNSBI) was established in 2023 between the nine North Sea countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The European Commission is closely involved as a strategic partner.
On November 25th, ministers from these participating countries responsible for Energy, Fisheries, Nature and Maritime Spatial Planning came together in Antwerp. During this meeting the Antwerp Ministerial Declaration was signed, thereby reaffirming the collaboration that was established in 2023. This Declaration outlines clear objectives, deliverables, and governance for a strengthened coordination in the areas of nature conservation, fisheries and offshore renewable energy within the GNSBI. It contains several goals, including an integral approach to spatial and ecological challenges, a long-term perspective for fisheries and restoration of the marine ecosystem.
Since its start, the initiative has made important steps in order to establish and enhance the cross-sectoral cooperation between the countries. It offers an important platform for regular, regional dialogue and the sharing of knowledge and best practices between the Greater North Sea countries and different sectors.