EU Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly: Agenda Item 75 (c): draft decision (A/78/L.102) BBNJ

Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia^[1]*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*and Georgia, as well as Monaco align themselves with this statement.

The EU and its Member States commend Australia and Belize for proposing the draft decision contained in document L.102.

We have always been and will continue to be steadfast supporters of the process towards the swift entry into force and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. It is a priority for the EU and its Member States. The Preparatory Commission is an instrumental part of this process. The draft decision before us today has a simple aim: To allow for the organization of the next meetings of the Preparatory Commission in accordance with the decisions reached at the organizational meeting of the Preparatory Commission that took place from 24 to 26 June. It is a mere procedural step that reflects our common agreement reached only a month and a half ago. It should be uncontroversial. For this reason, we strongly support it and call on all States to vote for it. At the same time, we are disappointed that one delegation called for a vote on it with the clear aim to stall our common efforts.

Mr. President,

The EU and its Member States would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Deputy Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, Ms Janine Coye-Felson, and the Chief Counsel and First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, Mr Adam McCarthy, for their election as Co-Chairs of the Preparatory Commission. They have our full support and trust in their ability to guide us in the work that lies ahead of us.

To conclude, let us not lose our focus, unity and urgency towards our common goals served by the BBNJ Agreement; a more sustainably managed Ocean and its resources for the present and in the long-term, the tackling of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, and, more broadly our fight against climate change. The adoption with the largest possible majority of this decision today is a necessary step in this direction.

Thank you.

^[1]*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.