Embassy of The Grand Duchy of Flandrensis to the European Union

Dear Flandrensians residing in the European Union,

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and extend my best wishes for happiness and good health in 2026.

Philippe LEFEVRE
Ambassador

Antarctica 🇦🇶 is becoming more accessible for non-scientists. The increasingly frequent waves of tourists 🚢 are actually putting the fragile ecosystem at risk 🐧🦐🐋. Flandrensis is against any form of tourism at the white continent and tourists are forbidden to enter our territory by Flandrensian Constitution ⛔️

(FL) Ansarksjeka jen bakomesc mora akakjebla vor non-n'kjeansjen's'n. Da jenkronesclhen vraråans œaban ov surjen's'n ara aksåfrellhen påssesc vragjela akonhen'n'sam as rjen'k. Flandrensis jen agein'n's anhen vorm ov surjen'm as hvjesa konsjenans aß surjen's'n ara voreidan so ansar ur sarjesorhen ai Flandrensian Kon'n'sjesåsjeon.


(Photo by Derek Oyen via Unsplash)

PROTECTING THE PLANET ALSO MEANS PROTECTING THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE ON IT AND THEIR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

A Russian document says proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) would "lead to the loss of the opportunity to develop hydrocarbon resources by Russia on the continental shelf of Antarctica".

Flandrensis firmly opposes any exploitation of resources and minerals on the white continent. We remind the Antarctic Treaty parties - including the Russian Federation - that the mining ban, in force since 1998, must be respected by all.

We call on all nations to support scientific research focused on conservation, climate change and the protection of Antarctic wildlife.

The white continent must remain a sanctuary for peace and science, not profit.

World Maritime Day will be celebrated on 28 September.
Marine ecosystems are vital to life on Earth. They provide food, oxygen, and help regulate the climate while supporting millions of species. Healthy oceans also sustain human livelihoods through fishing, tourism, and coastal protection. However, these ecosystems are under serious threat from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Protecting them is essential to preserve biodiversity and to ensure a sustainable future for both nature and humanity.

The embassy will be closed from 11 September to 28 September 2025.

Happy World Oceans Day! Let’s protect the blue heart of our planet — our oceans — for future generations.