A landmark international treaty to protect the high seas is nearing the required 60 ratifications to become binding law, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. He announced that 50 countries have ratified the treaty, with 15 more committed. However, the UN website lists only 32 ratifications. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of ratification due to environmental threats. The EU pledged €40 million to support the treaty's implementation, which aims to establish marine protected areas in international waters.