On 23–24 September 2025, as part of the Danish EU Presidency, the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” conference will be held in Denmark. Launched in 2021, Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean, seas, and inland waters by 2030. Built on research and innovation, citizen engagement, and investments in the sustainable blue economy, the Mission is central to Europe’s ambitions of reaching climate neutrality and restoring nature. As the Mission moves towards the deployment and upscaling phase, the September conference represents an important milestone. It will bring together policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to align strategies, exchange solutions, and build roadmaps aimed at delivering lasting benefits for Europe’s aquatic ecosystems.
Since its launch in 2022, the Mission Ocean Charter has gained remarkable momentum, now surpassing 1,000 committed actions across Europe [1]. This milestone reflects the growing commitment of governments, regions, businesses, researchers, NGOs, and citizens to protect marine and freshwater ecosystems. Mission Actions contribute to three core objectives: (1) Protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, (2) Prevent and eliminate pollution of our ocean, seas and waters, and (3) Make the sustainable blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. Supporting these objectives are two essential enablers: the Digital Ocean and Water Knowledge System, and public mobilisation and engagement. Take a look at the Map of this week, which displays updated information of all committed Mission Actions. The map provides a vivid picture of the scale and diversity of this collective effort. Explore the map and click on the symbols to read details about each Mission Action.
The conference in September will also highlight the European Ocean Pact, adopted on 5 June 2025, which provides a new framework to strengthen ocean protection, foster a thriving blue economy, and improve the quality of life for coastal communities. The Pact establishes strategic priorities that reflect the objectives of the Mission Ocean and Waters, while the Mission’s contributions in research, knowledge, and innovation serve as essential enablers for the Pact. From the Digital Twin of the Ocean to the regional sea-basin “lighthouses,” Mission Ocean and Waters is laying the foundations for the knowledge and solutions the Pact requires to succeed. Together, these two initiatives are shaping a stronger, more coordinated effort for Europe’s waters.
Stay informed and be involved!
- Contribute to the goals of Mission Ocean and Waters by supporting actions that focus on ecosystem restoration, tackling pollution, and building a sustainable, carbon-neutral blue economy. You can endorse the Mission Charter, learn about the Mission Ocean and Waters Forum or the EU Blue Parks Community.
- Explore the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (EU DTO) and discover how it supports a sustainable and more resilient ocean for the future.
- Read the European Ocean Pact factsheet.
- Participate in collective actions that make a difference for our ocean and waters. Did you know that 20 September 2025 is World Cleanup Day? Will you be in Oostende? Join the EU4Ocean Coalition in the morning at the Oostende Beach Clean-up! Will you be in Brussels? Join the EU4Ocean Coalition at the Brussels Clean Festival. Come by to listen to the fascinating sounds of the ocean and discuss issues related to marine litter! Looking for other events? Have a look at the EU Beach CleanUp campaign website and discover activities taking place across Europe!
The data in the map is provided by the.European Commission.