EU OceanEye initiative offers a pivotal moment for strengthening global ocean observation
30 June 2026
EuroGOOS and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) welcome the European Commission's OceanEye initiative as a major step for strengthening Europe's contribution to global ocean observation and intelligence.
Ocean observation is a public good that underpins our ability to understand and respond to a changing ocean, supporting climate adaptation, environmental protection and restoration, coastal resilience, maritime safety, and a sustainable ocean economy. By recognising ocean observation as critical infrastructure, the OceanEye initiative places it firmly among Europe's strategic priorities.
The need to strengthen global ocean observing is widely recognised. As organisations working at the intersection of ocean, climate, weather and Earth system information, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), co-sponsors of GOOS, have consistently called for a more resilient and equitably funded observing system.
"Ocean observing is essential infrastructure that supports the wellbeing, safety, and prosperity of all nations – coastal and landlocked alike. As ocean change accelerates, strengthening the global ocean observing system must be an urgent collective priority. We must observe the ocean as if our lives depend on it, because they do," says Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the IOC of UNESCO.
"Europe's investment in OceanEye is an investment in our shared global observing system. By strengthening GOOS and connecting observations through WMO's global infrastructure for data exchange and prediction, OceanEye will improve forecasts and early warnings worldwide – protecting lives, livelihoods and our common future," says Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of WMO.
For the European ocean observing community, OceanEye represents a unique opportunity to strengthen coordination across national and regional observing efforts while reinforcing Europe's contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System. The initiative includes an initial €50 million investment under Horizon Europe to strengthen the EU's contribution to the observing capabilities of the global ocean observing system, alongside other strategic commitments.
Building on decades of collaboration across Europe's sea basins, EuroGOOS is uniquely positioned to help mobilise the European community around this shared ambition. Through its regional systems, thematic task teams and extensive network of members, EuroGOOS connects national observing capacities, facilitates cooperation across borders and ensures European observations contribute effectively to the global system coordinated by GOOS.
"The European ocean observation community is excited and energized by the leadership of the European Commission in recognising the value of ocean observation. This opportunity will help better coordinate both global and European efforts and create a truly participatory system for the benefit of Europe and beyond," says Renuka Badhe, Secretary General of EuroGOOS.
As the global coordination framework for ocean observing, GOOS will work closely with EuroGOOS to ensure OceanEye strengthens both European and international observing capabilities.
"The strength of this opportunity will come from bringing the ocean observing community together. GOOS, with its regional alliance EuroGOOS, is committed to supporting an open and inclusive process that builds on existing networks and expertise. We are working towards a coordinated approach that enables the European community to contribute collectively to a stronger global ocean observing system," says Joanna Post, GOOS Director and Head of Observations, Data and Services at IOC of UNESCO.
The OceanEye initiative comes at a critical moment for the future of sustained ocean observations. As pressures on the global observing system increase, Europe's renewed commitment demonstrates the strategic importance of maintaining and strengthening the observing infrastructure that underpins science, forecasting and decision-making worldwide.
EuroGOOS and GOOS stand ready to work with the European Commission, Member States and international partners to translate this ambition into a resilient, integrated and sustainably supported ocean observing system, one that strengthens existing networks, fosters greater coordination across Europe, and delivers lasting benefits for science, society and the global ocean.