Environment: von der Leyen unveils the EU OceanEye initiative, calling it “our window on the ocean”

Brussels – The European Ocean Observation Initiative has come to life, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in her speech at the European Ocean Days today (2 March). She added that the European Union will allocate 50 million euros from Horizon Europe over the next two years to the marine data network and that, to involve countries, the private sector, and philanthropists, it will launch an International Alliance to secure the necessary funding.

“The basis for our success is science,” the President of the European Commission said. “Science tells us about the state of our ocean today and tomorrow. With accurate marine data, we can better understand what happens in the deep sea and its vast waters.” The availability of information, she continues, “allows us to predict the impact of climate change and prepare for extreme weather events.” For all these reasons, last year in Nice, at the UN Conference on oceans, “I announced an ambitious European Ocean Observation Initiative. And today it comes to life. We call it OceanEye.” OceanEye will be “our window on the ocean,  and our key to unlock even more of its secrets,” she added. 

Von der Leyen cited Venice and the problem of high water to underscore the importance of the project that is now getting underway. The capital of Veneto, “One of Europe’s most beautiful cities was at risk of serious flooding” because a “massive tidal surge rushed up the Adriatic and threatened to destroy the city.” In that context, “thanks to a network of data sensors, Venice deployed its flood barriers at the right moment,” saving “the city and its inhabitants.” The Mose, von der Leyen’s praise of it, demonstrate that “to ensure this kind of protection all over the globe, we need more data, from more locations.”

The starting point already exists, because “we already have a network in place,” with “sensors right around the world. From robot marine drones to gliders and even sensors mounted on sea turtles.” These systems provide data that “is fed into powerful computers to give real-time information.” And “this not only protects against extreme weather events, but also helps our economy,” von der Leyen added. The downside that needs to be addressed is that “this type of monitoring is not universally available,” with “monitoring gaps in our European waters” on the one hand, and “even greater pressure” on the global network on the other. For this reason, “We need more funding. And with OceanEye, we want to turn the tide. We want to close the gaps and enlarge the global network further so that OceanEye will lead a new charge for truly global observation surge.” 

Therefore, resources. “The marine data network must be recognised as vital planetary infrastructure. This will replace the current system of voluntary cooperation with a more structured model, which is properly supported by its members. And we need to ensure long-term funding,” von der Leyen explained. In this context, “The EU will take a first step today: I can announce EUR 50 million funding from Horizon Europe for the next two years,” von der Leyen announced. Furthermore, “we need commitments from our Member States and trusted partners around the world. So today, we are launching an International Alliance. An Alliance to secure funding from countries, the private sector, and philanthropists. And I am delighted that the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission has already joined Europe in this initiative. We all depend on the marine data network. And together we can ensure its success,” she said.