The Commission is launching the OceanEye initiative to put the EU at the forefront of ocean observation.

The European Commission has adopted OceanEye to expand the EU’s role in ocean observation. This initiative aims to position the EU as the world’s leading provider of ocean information, contributing 35% of the global ocean observation system by 2035 and securing 35% of the ocean observation technology market.

The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, but only 5% has been explored. Ocean observation is essential for the protection and restoration of the oceans, climate prediction, blue economy activities such as fisheries and aquaculture, marine energy and maritime transport, as well as for maritime security and defence.

Four pillars will guide the EU’s approach — both at EU and global level — to translate these objectives into tangible results: better governance for a more unified European approach; global leadership through international partnerships and collaborations; the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, innovation and industrial growth; and societal engagement and skills development. Securing funding will be a key factor in ensuring ocean observation in the long term.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said:“With OceanEye, Europe will lead the race to understand our oceans, protect them and harness their potential in a sustainable way. It is about using science and good governance to understand our oceans and secure our future. We call on all Member States and global partners to join us in supporting the Global Ocean Observing System and make OceanEye a reality.”

Better governance for a more unified European approach

Ocean observation in the EU faces fragmentation. OceanEye aimstoovercome these shortcomings through astructured governance approach, improving coordination between Member States, research bodies and industry, and supporting the EU’s contribution to the global ocean observation system. Structured governance will help align investments and priorities, making ocean observation in the EU more strategic, reducing inefficiencies and duplication in data collection, and addressing existing gaps. Details will be set out in the proposed Oceans Act later this year.

The initiative envisages a European Digital Ocean System that will integrate existing European services such asthe Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, WISE Marineand WISE Freshwater, creating a single access point to high-quality ocean data and marine knowledge. This system will also include the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, which will be fully operational by 2030, enabling real-time monitoring and the development of predictive models for policy-making and industry.

Global leadership through international partnerships

The EU will launch an International Alliance to strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System, addressing critical gaps in under-monitored regions of the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Arctic, the deep sea and coastal areas.

Under the current Horizon Europe programme, the Commission will invest €50 million to strengthen the EU’s contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System and a further €12 million to support the resilience of global ocean data systems.

European Digital Twin Ocean, innovation and industrial growth.

A strong industrial and innovation base in ocean observation is a fundamental economic and geopolitical choice, as well as a strategic imperative for the EU.

The European Ocean Digital Twin, a virtual representation of the ocean enabling seamless access to marine data, will be available as a public service for Europeans and the rest of the world.

OceanEye will also support the development and deployment of new technologies, including sensors, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, and accelerate their transition from research to the market.

Finally, OceanEye also aims to foster public-private partnerships, improve access to funding for start-ups and align research with market needs. An additional investment of €30 million, under the Horizon Europe programme, will support key innovations through a thematic challenge by the European Innovation Council on ocean observation technologies.

Engaging society and developing skills

OceanEye will make ocean observation, and more broadly the challenges and opportunities presented by the ocean, more visible and relevant to society, linking them to culture, education and skills development.

To this end, the Commission will launch a new European Bauhaus Laboratory for Ocean, Coastal and Island Communities, with the aim of exploring creative ways to present ocean data and raise awareness of the ocean, through public installations, museum exhibitions and collaborations with artists and designers.

In addition, a specific Ocean Eye label will be introduced to clearly identify all infrastructure contributing to the project.

Securing funding for long-term ocean observation

Achieving OceanEye’s objectives will require substantial investment, with significant funding needed for in situ monitoring, digital tools and research.

At EU level, the Commission is mobilising available resources and existing instruments in support of the OceanEye initiative.

In total, the Commission will invest €92 million from the Horizon Europe programme to drive the OceanEye project:

• €50 million: strengthening the EU’s contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System.
• €12 million: supporting resilient global ocean data systems to improve data sharing and accessibility.
• €30 million: driving innovation through the European Innovation Council.

At both national and international level, the Commission urges Member States, third countries and other partners, such as philanthropic and private organisations, to join the International Alliance by increasing their support for ocean observation and ensuring stable funding to improve long-term observation series.

These commitments may include the mobilisation of financial resources, access to observation capabilities (such as observation vessels, sensors, drones and submarine cables), investment in or access to observation and digital infrastructure, the provision of human and technical capacity to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) or the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), and the provision of relevant data.

Background

OceanEye is one of the outcomes of the European Pact for the Oceans, adopted by the Commission in June 2025. It is the Commission’s comprehensive strategy to better protect the oceans, promote a thriving blue economy and support the well-being of people living in coastal areas. The Pact brings together the EU’s ocean policies under a single framework, addressing the significant threats facing our oceans, our coastal communities, islands and outermost regions.

The blue economy (economic activities at sea) is vital for the E, with 70,000 km of coastline and 40% of Europeans living in coastal communities and on islands. Ocean-related sectors and the blue economy generate 5 million jobs in the EU and €250 billion in gross value added.

More information: European Commission.