OceanEye

What the EU is doing

The ocean covers 70% of Earth, yet we have explored and mapped just 5%. OceanEye is the EU’s plan to change that, by leading global ocean observation by 2035.

One of the key priorities of the European Ocean Pact is to advance ocean research, knowledge, skills and innovation. OceanEye is an essential part of this effort.

OceanEye: An EU ocean observation initiative - COM/2026/268

Press release: Commission presents OceanEye initiative to put EU at the forefront of ocean observation

Factsheet: OceanEye: Ocean Observation at a glance

Factsheet: OceanEye: Making the EU the leader in ocean observation

Video: How Ocean Data Protects Us | Europe’s OceanEye

What OceanEye aims to achieve by 2035

1 Position the EU as the world’s leading provider of ocean intelligence

35% EU will provide over a third of the world’s ocean data

35% EU will secure the ocean tech market

The EU will lead in cutting-edge technologies like AI, autonomous sensors, and digital twins.

Why is ocean observation important?

The more information we have about the ocean, the better we can protect it. Data from ocean observation is essential for

safety and security of operations at sea
a competitive blue economy
accurate weather forecasts
reliable climate projections
ocean restoration and protection
stronger resilience of coastal areas

How will OceanEye work?

better EU governance - improve the way we collect, share and use ocean data in the EU
global leadership - launch an international alliance to support the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
develop innovative markets and sectors related to ocean observation, using tools like the European Digital Twin Ocean
connect people to the ocean through education, culture and skills
(like the New European Bauhaus Ocean, Coastal and Island Communities Lab)

What is the European Digital Twin Ocean?

A virtual, real-time model of the ocean that

combines real-time data (e.g., temperature, currents, pollution)
uses AI and supercomputers to predict changes (e.g., storms, marine heatwaves)
helps policymakers, scientists, and businesses make smarter decisions
will be free to use by 2030

How will OceanEye help businesses and innovation?

€30 million for startups developing ocean tech (e.g., underwater drones, AI sensors)
public-private partnerships to turn research into market-ready products
training programmes to create jobs in marine tech, data science, and engineering

Goal: Make Europe the global leader in ocean tech - boosting jobs and economic growth.

How will the public be involved?

Ocean Observation Week (2027)

Schools and students will will explore marine science with EU4Ocean and European Blue Schools

New European Bauhaus Lab

Artists and designers will turn ocean data into public exhibitions, museums, and installations

EU4Ocean Coalition

Mentoring and internships for young people in ocean careers

How will OceanEye be funded?

EU funding
Existing programmes like Horizon Europe and European Innovation Council will allocate €92 million+ (€50m for global monitoring, €12m for data systems, €30m for startups).
EU countries and partners
The EU calls on countries, philanthropies, and private companies to invest in long-term ocean observation, with increased support for GOOS (Global Ocean observing System)