The 2026 #EUBeachCleanup is on!

On Saturday 23 May 2026, on the shore of Limassol, Cyprus, Commissioner Costas Kadis officially launched this year’s edition of the #EUBeachCleanup campaign. 

Learn all about it and how to participate in the campaign!

The #EUBeachCleanup campaign

Since 2018, the #EUBeachCleanup has been a global campaign against marine litter, raising awareness of the impact of our habits and pollution on the ocean and marine habitats. 

It is organised by the European Union in partnership with the United Nations and the Smurfs. 

It matters because

• 80% of marine litter comes from land.
• 85% of that waste is plastic — a material that can take up to 500 years to break down. It is a serious risk to marine life and human health, as plastic works its way into the food chain.
• In European seas alone, an estimated 626 million pieces of floating waste - weighing over 3,300 tonnes - are added every year. 

 2026 launch in Limassol

This year we started the campaign with a beautiful event following the European Maritime Day (EMD) in Limassol, Cyprus. 

In collaboration with the city and welcomed by Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, EU Commissioner Costas Kadis officially declared the 2026 #EUBeachCleanup open.

The event was a great success, bringing together locals, passers-by, and families to clean up the waterfront at Limassol Molos. 

A highly productive clean-up, complemented by engaging stands to learn all about the ocean and marine litter

• EU4Algae
• EU4Ocean with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI),
• Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI)

Joining the wave

Want to take part in the #EUBeachcleanup campaign?

It’s easy!

May you be an organisation, an NGO, a university, or just a group of people wanting to help raise awareness: anyone can join! 

1. Find a place: beach, riverside, park – every event counts as the sea starts right in the middle of our cities
2. Find a date: anytime between June and October – but especially on 20 September for World Clean-up Day!
3. Register your event on our website
4. Use our social media material and the hashtag #EUBeachCleanup
5. Grab your gear, and clean-up!
6. Share your results with us

Find all information on the official page.