The negotiations on an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) were successful, despite the final text not having been adopted. The countries decided to suspend the session and resume it at the earliest possible opportunity, building on the momentum gained and the achievements made during the fifth session to move forward, because this agreement is urgently needed. The countries will have to seek effective compromises to safeguard this area, which does not belong to individual countries but to all of us.

Along with other EU member states, Slovenia will continue to strive for a universal and enforceable agreement that can make a real contribution to protecting marine biological diversity and ecosystems and strengthening the resilience of our oceans.