The European Union has launched a bold new initiative to restore seas, rivers, and coasts. On 22 August 2025, the European Commission announced an investment of €116 million in 13 innovative projects under the Mission Ocean and Waters.
The effort covers regions from the Black Sea to the Arctic and aims to protect ecosystems, support local communities, and strengthen Europe’s path to sustainability.
From Fish Highways to Digital Oceans
The projects cover a wide range of challenges. Some focus on reviving natural habitats, such as DanubeLifelines, which restores migration routes for fish in the Danube River, and SWIM, which improves fish habitats in both the Danube and Black Sea.
Others look to technology for answers: ECO-CATCH develops new fishing methods to reduce bycatch. At the same time, EDITO2 enhances the European Digital Twin Ocean—a virtual model that provides a better understanding and management of marine systems.
Communities at the Heart of Change
This mission is not just about scientists and governments. Citizens are central to the push. CS-MACH1 connects citizen scientists to share marine data, while INSPIRI utilises art and science to inspire action.
Local communities are also stepping up: BlueAction initiatives in the Baltic, Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Arctic empower people to lead on restoration. CO-WATERS goes further by giving waterfront communities direct tools to restore their own waters.
A Step Toward 2030 Goals
The funding is provided by Horizon Europe, the EU’s leading research and innovation programme. The projects were selected through an expert review following a 2024 call for proposals.
All are part of the larger mission to restore the health of oceans and waters by 2030, a goal that supports Europe’s climate neutrality and biodiversity pledges. With this investment, the EU signals that clean seas and healthy rivers are not a luxury, but a necessity for future generations.