{"id":168986,"date":"2026-06-05T03:00:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T01:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cde.ual.es\/?p=168986"},"modified":"2026-06-04T09:58:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T07:58:28","slug":"la-comision-presenta-la-iniciativa-oceaneye-para-situar-a-la-ue-a-la-vanguardia-de-la-observacion-oceanica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cde.ual.es\/en\/la-comision-presenta-la-iniciativa-oceaneye-para-situar-a-la-ue-a-la-vanguardia-de-la-observacion-oceanica\/","title":{"rendered":"The Commission is launching the OceanEye initiative to put the EU at the forefront of ocean observation."},"content":{"rendered":"

The European Commission has adopted <\/span>OceanEye <\/span><\/strong>to expand the EU\u2019s role in ocean observation. This initiative aims to position the <\/span>EU as the world\u2019s leading provider of ocean information, <\/span><\/strong>contributing 35% of the global ocean observation system by 2035 and securing 35% of the ocean observation technology market.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The ocean covers 70% of the Earth\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Four pillars will guide the EU\u2019s approach \u2014 both at EU and global level \u2014 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ursula <\/span>von der Leyen<\/span><\/strong>, President of the European Commission, said:<\/span>\u201cWith 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.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Better governance for a more unified European approach<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ocean observation in the EU faces fragmentation. OceanEye aims<\/span>to<\/span><\/strong>overcome these shortcomings through a<\/span>structured governance approach<\/span><\/strong>, improving coordination between Member States, research bodies and industry, and supporting the EU\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The initiative envisages a <\/span>European Digital Ocean System <\/span><\/strong>that will integrate existing European services such as<\/span>the Copernicus Marine Service<\/span>, <\/span>EMODnet<\/span>, <\/span>WISE Marine<\/span>and <\/span>WISE Freshwater<\/span>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Global leadership through international partnerships<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The EU will launch an <\/span>International Alliance <\/span><\/strong>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Under the current Horizon Europe programme, the Commission will invest \u20ac50 million to strengthen the EU\u2019s contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System and a further \u20ac12 million to support the resilience of global ocean data systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

European Digital Twin Ocean, innovation and industrial growth.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>European Ocean Digital Twin<\/span><\/strong>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

OceanEye will also support the development and deployment of <\/span>new technologies<\/span><\/strong>, including sensors, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, and accelerate their transition from research to the market.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, OceanEye also aims <\/span>to foster public-private partnerships<\/span><\/strong>, improve access to funding for start-ups and align research with market needs. An additional investment of \u20ac30 million, under the Horizon Europe programme, will support key innovations through a thematic challenge by the European Innovation Council on ocean observation technologies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Engaging society and developing skills<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

To this end, the Commission will launch a <\/span>new European Bauhaus Laboratory for Ocean, Coastal and Island Communities, <\/span><\/strong>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, a specific <\/strong><\/span>Ocean Eye <\/span><\/strong>label<\/strong> will be introduced <\/span>to clearly identify all infrastructure contributing to the project.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Securing funding for long-term ocean observation<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Achieving OceanEye\u2019s objectives will require substantial investment, with significant funding needed for in situ monitoring, digital tools and research.<\/span><\/p>\n

At EU level, the Commission is mobilising available resources and existing instruments in support of the OceanEye initiative.<\/span><\/p>\n

In total, the Commission will invest <\/span>\u20ac92 million <\/span><\/strong>from the Horizon Europe programme to drive the OceanEye project:<\/span><\/p>\n