Strengthening global cooperation for sustained ocean observation
The OceanEye International Alliance is an international initiative to strengthen long-term support for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and help build a more resilient, sustained and globally connected ocean observing system.
OceanEye aims to mobilise political support and financial and in-kind contributions to sustain existing ocean observing infrastructure, address critical observation gaps and strengthen international coordination.
For EuroGOOS and the European operational ocean observing community, OceanEye provides an important framework for connecting national and regional observing capacities with the global system and strengthening Europe’s contribution to sustained ocean observation.
A global commitment to ocean observing
The Alliance was launched at the High-Level Pledging Event “OceanEye International Alliance: Stronger Together for Ocean Observation”, held on 23 September 2026 during the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York.
More than 30 countries joined the Alliance, with over €150 million in new financial and in-kind contributions announced to strengthen global ocean observing capacity.
A further step followed on 29 September, when the European Commission announced an amendment to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027. The amended programme includes a new €50 million topic dedicated to strengthening GOOS:
HORIZON-NATURE-2027-04-01: A stronger Global Ocean Observing System to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
The European Commission identifies the EU Ocean Eye and the European Ocean Pact among the key EU priorities supported by the broader call.
EuroGOOS and OceanEye
EuroGOOS works to strengthen cooperation and coordination across Europe’s operational ocean observing community and to connect European observing capacities with the wider Global Ocean Observing System.
In this context, EuroGOOS is contributing to the development of a prospective European consortium responding to the new Horizon Europe topic. GEOMAR coordinates the consortium, with NOC and Ifremer forming part of the convening team, IOC-UNESCO / GOOS providing scientific and strategic direction, and EuroGOOS coordinating engagement across the European operational ocean observing community and with Member States.
Through this work, EuroGOOS supports the wider effort to build a stronger, sustainable and globally connected ocean observing system.
EuroGOOS invites expressions of interest for Proposal Managing Editor
Related news and resources
OceanEye moves forward with new €50 million Horizon Europe opportunity for global ocean observing
OceanEye International Alliance: High-Level Pledging Event for Global Ocean Observation at UNGA81
EU OceanEye initiative offers a pivotal moment for strengthening global ocean observation
European Commission adopts OceanEye to strengthen Europe's leadership in ocean observation
OceanEye initiative announced during European Ocean Days
Further information
EU Ocean Eye – European Commission
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027 – Horizontal Activities See HORIZON-NATURE-2027-04-01 on page 153 for details of the €50 million topic.