The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to shape a new European Ocean Observation Initiative. The consultation is open until 27 February 2026. It targets stakeholders, experts and citizens across Europe.
The initiative is a core part of the European Ocean Pact. Its goal is to improve access to reliable marine data and make the EU a global leader in ocean observation and related technologies.
Call open until 27 February
The Commission says the feedback will feed into a formal Communication on the Ocean Observation Initiative. The focus is on better coordination of ocean observation in Europe. It also aims to secure long-term marine data collection and cross-border data sharing.
The initiative is designed to support everyone who relies on the ocean, including policymakers, scientists, industry and the public.
Focus on data, technology and coordination
According to the Commission, the initiative will strengthen the EU’s marine knowledge value chain. This includes ocean observation technologies and their use in areas such as climate change, biodiversity loss, coastal resilience and security.
It also aims to streamline existing marine knowledge efforts and improve coordination between EU systems and programmes.
Digital Twin and global role
A key objective is to deliver a fully operational European Digital Twin of the Ocean by 2030. The initiative also seeks to reinforce Europe’s role in the global ocean observing system and improve international scientific cooperation.
The work will build on existing EU assets such as EMODnet and the Copernicus Marine Service.
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