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President von der Leyen launches OceanEye and calls for an international alliance to reinforce global ocean observation and protection
Today, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called for an International Alliance to reinforce and expand ocean monitoring and observation. The Alliance will support OceanEye, the European Ocean observation initiative, with the aim to enhance global ocean observation efforts and collaboration.
President von der Leyen has also announced the EU contribution of €50 million from Horizon Europe to the International Alliance for 2026-2027.
OceanEye
The European Ocean observation initiative was first announced by President von der Leyen, along with Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, during the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference.
Building on the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EDITO) and Copernicus' marine programme, OceanEye aims to lay the foundation for Europe's sovereign and cutting-edge ocean observation technology infrastructure supporting international efforts in ocean observation and protection.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the European Ocean Days, President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Today, we have presented OceanEye, a major initiative to strengthen the EU's leadership in ocean observation and unlock the full potential of our ocean. We will advance scientific knowledge, boost the blue economy's competitiveness, enhance maritime security, and crucially protect the ocean's health. Together with international partners, we will reinforce a sustainable and resilient Global Ocean Observing System.”
Ocean observation is key in collecting data needed to understand the state of the ocean, predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change, enhance the competitiveness of our economic activities at sea, and contribute to our maritime security. OceanEye, being an essential element of the European Ocean Pact, will support EU ocean technology and innovation, and will position the EU at the forefront of international efforts to deliver a sustained Global Ocean Observing System.
International Alliance
The announced Alliance will unite EU Member States and international partners through commitments to secure funding and provide a framework for coordinated action and cooperation. It will ensure secure access to open and free ocean data for both the EU and international partners. It will support the Global Ocean Observing System capacities, in partnership with UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
Next steps
OceanEye will be adopted by the Commission later in 2026 to take into account the feedback received following the call for evidence on the EU ocean observation initiative. A pledging event to gather contributions for the International Alliance will be organised in September. The Commission set the objective of having a fully operational European Ocean Observation System by 2030.
Background
OceanEye is part of the European Ocean Pact, adopted by the Commission in June 2025. In addition to the International Alliance and support to research and innovation, the initiative will also include wide educational, cultural and outreach dimensions to bring the ocean and ocean observation closer to citizens.
The blue economy (economic activities at sea) is critical for the EU, with 70,000 km of coastline and 40% of Europeans living in coastal communities and islands. Ocean and blue economy related sectors account for 5 million jobs in the EU, €250 billion of gross added value, and contribute to Europe's competitiveness, maritime and food safety, energy independence, as well as climate adaptation and mitigation.
For more information
Speech of President von der Leyen at the European Ocean Days