The European Commission has proposed that the EU accede to a Protocol of the Barcelona Convention that protects the Mediterranean against pollution from offshore exploration and exploitation activities, the "Offshore Protocol". EU ratification of the Protocol is likely to stimulate ratification by other Parties to the Barcelona Convention, bringing the waters of the Mediterranean closer to good environmental status, the ultimate goal of the EU Marine Framework Directive.

The Commission wants to protect the Mediterranean against pollution from offshore exploration and exploitation activities by signing the Protocol Offshore of the Barcelona Convention. This Convention was authorised to be signed in 2009. According to such Protocol, it requires a number of conditions to be met before activities are allowed to begin. In particular, the construction of platforms and rigs must respect international standards and practice.

European Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik highlighted that the proposal complements the legislative proposal for the safety of offshore oil and gas activities. It will allow the EU to work with our non-EU Mediterranean partners, ensuring better protection of this sea for all its users. Such activities are increasing in the Mediterranean, and the area is particularly vulnerable due to its semi-closed configuration and significant seismic activity.

The Offshore Protocol aims to complement the Barcelona Convention as regards exploration and exploitation activities. It covers a wide range of exploration and exploitation activities and touches upon permit requirements, the removal of abandoned or disused installations, the use and removal of harmful substances, and safety, contingency planning and monitoring. EU ratification of the Protocol is likely to stimulate ratification by other Parties to the Barcelona Convention, bringing the waters of the Mediterranean closer to good environmental status, the ultimate goal of the EU Marine Framework Directive. It will also strengthen cooperation with Mediterranean partners.