European Commission adopts Ocean Eye initiative to expand EU's role in ocean observation

The European Commission has adopted the Ocean Eye initiative, which aims to expand the EU's role in ocean observation through investments of €92 million from the Horizon Europe programme.

The Commission adopted the initiative on 03/06/2026, but Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched it during the opening ceremony of the European Ocean Days in February 2026.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: "Investing in ocean knowledge is a matter of strategic importance for the Union, scientists, innovative companies, startups and policy making."

The aim is to "position the EU as the world's leading provider of ocean intelligence by contributing to 35% of the global ocean observing system by 2035 and securing 35% of the market for ocean observation technologies".

Four pillars will guide the EU's approach at the EU level and globally:
• Better governance for a more unified European approach;
• Global leadership through an international alliance and partnerships;
• The European Digital Twin of the Ocean, leading innovation and industry…