EU launches OceanEye initiative to scale ocean observation

The European Commission has proposed the OceanEye initiative to build a comprehensive operational European ocean observing system, covering governance, international cooperation, digital infrastructure and industrial scaling.

• Main announcement: The Commission proposes the OceanEye initiative including an EU governance framework (to be established in the proposed Ocean Act scheduled by end-2026), an International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, and a European Digital Ocean System / European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO) to be fully operational by 2030; the initiative also sets a strategic ambition for the EU to provide 35% of the global ocean observing system and secure 35% of the market for ocean observation technologies by 2035.
• Key details and timelines: The Commission proposes concrete measures including a EUR 50 million dedicated Horizon Europe action to strengthen global in situ observing, a EUR 30 million EIC thematic challenge in the 2027 Horizon work programme, an EUR 12 million EMODnet public procurement reference, a Memorandum of Understanding with the IOC, and the Ocean Pact dashboard to be launched by end-2026; Mercator Ocean International is entrusted with Copernicus Marine Service implementation and will help deliver EDITO.