Opening speech by President von der Leyen at the European Ocean Days

“Check against delivery”

Commissioner Kadis, dear Costas,

Excellencies,

Ministers,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am glad to be here with so many outstanding people – scientists, students and start-up pioneers, to just name a few. All united in a common commitment to protect the Ocean. Because you all know that for us Europeans, the ocean is central to our way of life. It feeds us, it gives us renewable energy to warm our homes, it helps us to protect our nature as the biggest carbon sink, and it connects us to the rest of the world. At the same time, the ocean is under more pressure than ever, from climate change to pollution to illegal fishing. That is why we must act now with speed and determination.

The basis for our success is science. Science tells us about the state of our ocean today and tomorrow. With accurate marine data, we can better understand what happens in the deep sea and its vast waters. It allows us to predict the impact of climate change and prepare for extreme weather events. For all these reasons, last year, in Nice, I announced an ambitious European Ocean Observation Initiative. And today it comes to life. We call it OceanEye. OceanEye will be our window on the ocean, and our key to unlock even more of its secrets.

Let me give you a preview of what we propose: First, why we decided to invest in Ocean Observation. Second, how we will go about it. And third, how this will benefit all of us.

To my first point, the more information we have about the ocean, the better we can safeguard its vast natural heritage and protect ourselves. Take for example an incident in Venice just a few years ago: One of Europe's most beautiful cities was at risk of serious flooding. A massive tidal surge rushed up the Adriatic and threatened to destroy the city. But thanks to a network of data sensors, Venice deployed its flood barriers at the right moment. The city and its inhabitants were saved. And to ensure this kind of protection all over the globe, we need more data, from more locations.

Now, let me start with good the news: We already have a network in place. We have sensors right around the world. From robot marine drones to gliders and even sensors mounted on sea turtles. All this data is fed into powerful computers to give real-time information. This protects not only against extreme weather events but also helps our economy: Take our Atlantic shellfish farmers, from Galicia to Ireland. Their biggest concern is algal blooms, which can wipe out an entire crop. Now we can use satellite imagery to forecast a bloom, weeks in advance so that farmers can protect their stocks and their livelihood. Now to the bad news: This kind of monitoring is not universally available. There are still monitoring gaps in our European waters. And the global network has recently come under even more pressure. We need more funding. And with OceanEye, we want to turn the tide. We want to close the gaps and enlarge the global network further so that OceanEye will lead a new charge for truly global observation surge.

This brings me to my second point: How we will get to a reliable observation system. The marine data network must be recognised as vital planetary infrastructure. This will replace the current system of voluntary cooperation, with a more structured model which is properly supported by its members. And we need to ensure long-term funding. The EU will take a first step today: I can announce EUR 50 million funding from Horizon Europe for the next two years. In addition, we need commitments from our Member States and trusted partners around the world. So today, we are launching an International Alliance. An Alliance to secure funding from countries, the private sector and philanthropists. And I am delighted that the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission has already joined Europe in this initiative. We all depend on the marine data network. And together we can ensure its success.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My third point is that OceanEye is a great opportunity for businesses, research and academia. And a chance for Europe to be a world leader in marine data. This data has a huge range of commercial applications. For companies working on robotic drones, computerised weather predictions and complex data analysis. And I know our cutting-edge firms are leading the way in this exciting sector. A good example for Europe's leadership is the Digital Twin of the Ocean that you can also visit during the Ocean Days. This powerful tool uses marine data to predict ocean behaviour. It can forecast ocean currents, weather patterns, and even the migratory routes of whales. The Digital Twin is at the heart of OceanEye. And we are committed to make it fully operational by 2030.

Last but not least, OceanEye is a unique opportunity to bring the wonders and the potential of the sea to our citizens. Because the more we know about the ocean, the more we will cherish it. And perhaps in a few years, we can share its wonders on board of our own European research vessel.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

OceanEye builds on the good progress we have made in recent years on ocean governance. Nearly 10% of the ocean is now governed by Marine Protected Areas. We have launched the Ocean Pact, with clear targets for conservation and economic growth. And we made a breakthrough with the High Seas Treaty, to protect deep sea waters. We will adopt the Ocean Act later this year to support OceanEye and provide a clear governance structure. Now, we need your support. In the weeks ahead, Commissioner Kadis will reach out to potential partners inside and outside the EU to ask you to pledge your support – and your funding. Help us to preserve our Ocean, for many generations to come.

Long live Europe.