The European Union has launched OceanEye, a new flagship initiative aimed at strengthening global ocean monitoring, as Ursula von der Leyen called for the creation of an
international alliance to protect and better understand the world’s oceans.
Speaking at the opening of European Ocean Days, the President of the European Commission announced that the EU will commit €50 million from Horizon Europe to support the new International Alliance on ocean observation in the 2026–2027 period.
A new pillar of Europe’s ocean strategy
OceanEye was first unveiled earlier this year during the United Nations Ocean Conference, alongside the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans. The initiative is designed to reinforce Europe’s leadership in ocean science and technology while contributing to a stronger, more resilient global ocean observing system.
Built on existing EU assets such as the European Digital Twin of the Ocean and Copernicus’ marine services, OceanEye aims to establish a sovereign, cutting-edge European infrastructure for ocean observation. The system will support climate research, maritime security, and sustainable economic activity at sea, while feeding data into international efforts to protect ocean ecosystems.
“OceanEye will unlock the full potential of our ocean,” von der Leyen said. “It will strengthen scientific knowledge, boost the competitiveness of the blue economy, improve maritime security, and—most importantly—help safeguard the ocean’s health for future generations.”
Why ocean observation matters
Reliable ocean data is essential to track climate change, anticipate extreme events, protect marine biodiversity and support industries ranging from shipping to renewable energy. As a core element of the European Ocean Pact, OceanEye is expected to accelerate innovation in ocean technologies and position the EU at the forefront of global marine observation.
The initiative also supports the EU’s ambition to help deliver a sustained Global Ocean Observing System, ensuring that ocean data remains open, accessible and scientifically robust.
Building an International Alliance
Central to the plan is a new International Alliance that will bring together EU Member States and global partners. The alliance will coordinate funding, align national efforts and guarantee open and secure access to ocean data for both European and international users.
The alliance will work closely with UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, reinforcing global observation capacities and avoiding duplication of efforts.
What comes next
The European Commission plans to formally adopt OceanEye in 2026, following a call for evidence and consultations with stakeholders. A pledging conference to mobilise financial contributions to the International Alliance is scheduled for September. The EU’s long-term objective is to have a fully operational European Ocean Observation System by 2030.
A strategic investment in the blue economy
OceanEye is part of the broader European Ocean Pact adopted in June 2025. Beyond research and international cooperation, it also includes education, outreach and cultural initiatives designed to bring ocean science closer to citizens.
The stakes are high: the EU has nearly 70,000 kilometres of coastline, and around 40% of Europeans live in coastal or island communities. The blue economy supports five million jobs, generates €250 billion in added value, and plays a vital role in food security, energy independence and climate resilience.
With OceanEye and the proposed international alliance, the EU is betting that better data and deeper cooperation will be key to protecting one of the planet’s most critical—and vulnerable—resources. Photo by apasciuto, Wikimedia commons.