OceanEye was launched by the European Union in June 2026, with the goal of enhancing cooperation in European ocean observation. The initiative foresees a European Digital Ocean System that will include existing European services like Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, WISE Marine, and WISE Freshwater,  creating a single-entry point for high-quality ocean data and marine knowledge. This system will also include the European Digital Twin Ocean, set to be fully operational by 2030. The European Digital Twin Ocean is meant to provide high-resolution spatio-temporal simulations of the ocean to understand, predict and explore “what-if” scenarios, such as the impact of offshore wind farms.

EU is planning to invest in business and education development, public engagement and international collaboration. The aim of the project is that by 2035, the EU will be the world’s leading provider of ocean intelligence, provide over a third of the world’s ocean data and lead in cutting-edge ocean-related technologies like AI, autonomous sensors, and digital twins.

Ocean Eye International Alliance, GOOS and EuroGOOS

The EU, together with Canada and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, launched the OceanEye International Alliance to support the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) in September 2026, to address critical gaps in under-monitored regions, such as the Arctic.

GOOS provides the global infrastructure for ocean observation, delivering open and freely accessible ocean data. It is led by the IOC of UNESCO, and co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Science Council (ISC). It leads and supports a community of international, regional and national ocean observing programmes, governments, UN agencies, research organizations, and individual scientists.

EuroGOOS is the European component of GOOS. Based in Brussels, it brings together 47 members and supports five regional systems to strengthen and coordinate ocean observations. By identifying priorities, fostering collaboration, and promoting the value of operational oceanography, EuroGOOS drives the sustained measurements needed to deliver fit-for-purpose marine services.

Sources: EU Commission, EEAS, GOOS, EU Arctic Policy, OceanEye, EuroGOOS