The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to help shape the European Ocean Observation Initiative, a key component of the European Ocean Pact. The initiative aims to improve access to reliable marine data, enhance coordination across EU ocean‑monitoring efforts, and strengthen Europe’s leadership and autonomy in ocean observation technologies. Feedback is open until 27 February 2026 and will contribute to a forthcoming Commission Communication.

The initiative focuses on advancing marine research and innovation, developing new observation technologies, improving major EU marine knowledge systems such as EMODnet and Copernicus Marine Service, and making the European Digital Twin of the Ocean fully operational by 2030. It also seeks to modernize governance, promote international scientific collaboration, safeguard data flows, and engage citizens by linking science, education, and the arts to improve ocean literacy.