A new pledge commits to three core points: champion multilateral cooperation by backing international and regional maritime governance institutions like the IMO; reject coercion and unilateral actions that undermine international law and UNCLOS; and oppose measures that would hamper lawful navigation through straits and other international waterways.

The signatories warn that disruptions to maritime routes and restrictions on straits can have global repercussions for trade, energy, supply chains, and food security.

The pledge was announced on October 12 by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, who framed UNCLOS as essential to an international rule-of-law order and the integrity of the convention.

The pledge, unveiled by Kaja Kallas, has since been endorsed by all EU member states plus 34 additional countries across multiple regions, with participants named.

Iran’s push to charge fees in a key strait prompted Gulf states to seek postponement of related meetings, though no new agreement has emerged and discussions may continue, with a revival of the Traffic Separation Scheme often favored by users.

In addition to Oman, signatories include nations with strategic straits or internal waters considerations such as the United Kingdom/France (English Channel), Denmark/Sweden (Øresund), Singapore (Strait of Malacca), Canada (Northwest Passage), the Philippines (South China Sea), Yemen (Bab el Mandeb), Japan, and Bahrain among GCC states.

There is expectation that Oman may adjust its stance to align with the EU pledge, and broader Malacca Strait negotiations could inform future arrangements under IMO auspices.

Oman’s MTCIT 30/2026 guidance previously required ship licenses and AIS activation in territorial waters and set conditions on weapons carriage and innocent passage, reflecting the costs of maintaining navigation infrastructure.

A coalition of about 60 countries, including the Philippines and all EU members, pledged to uphold freedom of navigation and oppose restrictions on lawful maritime passage.

The Philippines is among 33 non-EU countries backing the pledge, bringing total signatories to 60.

Oman joined the pledge alongside all 27 EU members and 33 other countries to uphold UNCLOS and oppose the imposition of fees and tolls, reinforcing freedom of navigation.

The article provides download links to the pledge document, ensuring public access and transparency for scrutiny and compliance checks.