€50 Million Allocated for Global Ocean Monitoring
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced the launch of OceanEye, the European initiative designed to strengthen global ocean observation and monitoring. To support the project, the European Union will allocate €50 million from the Horizon Europe programme for the 2026–2027 period.
“We will advance scientific knowledge, boost the competitiveness of the blue economy, strengthen maritime security and, above all, protect the health of our oceans. Together with international partners, we will reinforce a sustainable and resilient Global Ocean Observing System.” stated the President of the European Commission.
At the same time, she proposed the creation of an International Alliance aimed at strengthening cooperation between EU Member States and international partners in the collection and sharing of marine data.
OceanEye aims to build a sovereign and cutting-edge European technological infrastructure for ocean observation, leveraging capabilities already developed through the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EDITO) and Copernicus’ marine programme. The objective is to reinforce the EU’s leadership in the sector, enhance scientific knowledge, and support the protection of marine ecosystems.
A central element of the initiative is the creation of an International Alliance bringing together Member States and global partners through financial commitments and a coordinated framework for cooperation. The Alliance will ensure secure and open access to ocean data and support the capacities of the Global Ocean Observing System, in partnership with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
Systematic ocean observation is essential to understanding the health of the seas and anticipating the impacts of climate change. The data collected help improve the management of maritime economic activities, strengthen maritime security, and support environmental policies.
A pledging event is scheduled for September, while the formal adoption of OceanEye by the Commission is expected in 2026. The stated objective is to make a fully operational European Ocean Observation System a reality by 2030.
OceanEye will be adopted by the Commission during 2026, taking into account feedback gathered through the public consultation on the initiative.
In September, a financial pledging event will be organised for the International Alliance.
The Commission has set the objective of having a fully operational European Ocean Observation System by 2030.