ETF Calls For Worker-Centered Transition Under European Ocean Pact

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has welcomed the European Commission’s launch of the European Ocean Pact, viewing it as a significant step toward a sustainable and inclusive blue economy. Representing over five million workers across maritime sectors, ETF emphasizes that environmental ambitions must be matched by social justice for the people whose livelihoods depend on the ocean.

The Ocean as a Workplace: Workers Must Be Central

ETF General Secretary Livia Spera underscored a powerful message: “The ocean is not just a resource – it is a workplace.” The federation insists that any strategy for a sustainable ocean must prioritize the rights, safety, and voices of the workers who operate in fisheries, maritime transport, and ports.

ETF is calling for labour representation on the proposed High-Level Ocean Board, ensuring fishers, seafarers, and port workers are included alongside environmental and industrial actors.

Balancing Green Goals with Social Fairness

While ETF supports key green initiatives—like expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and adopting ecosystem-based ocean management—it warns against disproportionate regulations that could unfairly impact fisheries while letting other polluting sectors off the hook.

In the context of the Emission Trading System (ETS), ETF raises concerns about evasive port calls by vessels bypassing EU ports to avoid carbon costs. The federation calls for monitoring of non-EU ports and expansion of regulations to protect EU ports and jobs.

Fund the Transition: Blue Economy Needs Financial Backbone

ETF critiques the European Ocean Pact’s lack of new funding, stressing that current resources under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) are inadequate.

To support the transition to greener practices, ETF urges a substantial increase in the next EU budget (MFF 2028–2034) to invest in local port infrastructure, support fishers’ livelihoods, and help build resilient coastal communities.

Social Commitments Must Go Beyond Promises

ETF acknowledges the Pact’s focus on generational renewal, gender equality, and skills development, but demands a stronger social agenda, including:

• Fair wages and working conditions

• Occupational health and social protection

• Equal treatment of migrant fishers and seafarers across the EU fleet

ETF also urges the Commission to push for decent work standards globally, especially in the upcoming 2026 Communication on the external dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

The European Transport Workers’ Federation fully supports the goals of the European Ocean Pact, but cautions that ambition must be matched with action, inclusion, and funding. The ETF is clear: the blue economy’s success depends on fair treatment of its workforce. It calls on the Commission to:

• Ensure labour representation in ocean governance

• Provide adequate funding for fisheries and ports

• Mainstream the social dimension in all ocean policies

ETF remains committed to a blue economy that is not only green, but just, inclusive, and equitable for all who work on and depend on the ocean.