Law of the sea framework. Is EU engagement a sine qua non for influence?

The chapter argues that regardless of the type or lack of legal status of the EU within maritime institutions, its institutional presence is not a sine qua non for influence. The EU influence derives precisely from its competence in areas that are directly relevant to a maritime institution to which the EU is (or would be) engaged. In turn, this competence directly affects its Member States in general, and in the context of that institution in particular. In view of this, the question may be raised as to whether the EU needs more formal representation in maritime institutions. In substantive terms, its influence might not be dramatically enhanced. Would it nevertheless enhance the visibility of the EU’s institutionalized role, and foster more awareness internally to strengthen international ocean governance?