Ursula von der Leyen, EU Ocean Days 2026 (©jerome hubert)
At the 2026 European Ocean Days, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the launch of a European ocean monitoring and observation initiative called OceanEye, which will lay the foundation for smarter and more effective ocean observation1. EMODnet is the EU marine data service hub for OceanEye, already supporting thousands of in situ data collection efforts to transform primary data into actionable FAIR data and data products as part of its core service.
Ursula von der Leyen also called for an international alliance to unite EU countries and international partners in efforts to secure funding and provide a framework for coordinated action and cooperation. The EU will contribute €50 million from Horizon Europe to the international alliance for 2026-2027.
EMODnet featured prominently in the “Marine Knowledge for Ocean Health” plenary session which explored how ocean data and digital applications support Member States in achieving Good Environmental Status, including for the EU MSFD. EMODnet was represented by Biology thematic Coordinator Joana Beja (VLIZ) spoke on the Panel, who showcased the value of harmonised biodiversity data and interoperable systems in enabling comprehensive ecosystem assessments and more robust, evidence-based policymaking. Her intervention emphasised the need to keep high-quality data at the heart of ocean governance and decision-making. The full Panel included International, EU and National representatives, which discussed the complementary roles of EMODnet, the Copernicus Marine Service, WISE Marine, ICES and the European Digital Twin Ocean in supporting marine ecosystem restoration, conservation and sustainable management.
Joana Beja from EMODnet Biology, EU Ocean Days 2026 (©jerome hubert)
More broadly, EMODnet’s participation reflected the growing importance of accessible, reliable marine data in delivering both European and global ocean policy objectives.
Exchanges throughout the week reinforced the EMODnet Vision 2035 call for a strengthened marine knowledge value chain, to achieve sustained, coordinated and better connected ocean observation systems, data services and digital infrastructures and to deliver greater EU autonomy that delivers the best available marine knowledge for society that is fit-for-use usable across policy, research and operational domains.
In parallel, the EDITO exhibition demonstrated how marine data can be explored and applied through cutting-edge digital tools and services. EMODnet plays a key role as the operational in situ data component that complements satellite observations and modelling within the broader Digital Twin Ocean framework.
▶ Watch the Marine Knowledge session recording (EMODnet Biology intervention from 02:33:00)
1commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/oceaneye-reinforcing-ocean-observation-and-protection-2026-03-02_en