The European Commission approved yesterday, Wednesday, the establishment of the Marine Observatory (OceanEye), taking another substantial step toward protecting the seas and utilizing marine data.

The initiative provides for a European digital ocean system that will integrate existing EU services such as the Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, WISE Marine, and WISE Freshwater, creating a single entry point for high-quality ocean data and knowledge. The system will also include the European digital twin of the ocean, which is expected to be fully operational by 2030, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive modelling for policy-making and industry.

Overall, the Commission will invest €92 million from the “Horizon Europe” programme for the launch of OceanEye:

• €50 million to strengthen the EU’s contribution to the global ocean observation system
• €12 million to support resilient global ocean data systems and improve data sharing and accessibility
• €30 million to boost innovation through the European Innovation Council

As noted in a Facebook post by the Minister for Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, Greece actively supports this European initiative, which strengthens our collective ability to monitor, understand, and effectively protect the marine environment.

“Greece is at the forefront of marine environmental protection.
We are steadily advancing toward achieving the UN goal of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030 (30×30), proceeding with the establishment of National Marine Parks in the Ionian Sea and in the Southern Aegean–Southern Cyclades, pioneering initiatives such as ‘Amorgorama’, and continuing to play a leading role in European and international efforts to protect the seas and promote a sustainable blue economy,” he added.

The Minister also recalled that last month Greece and France launched a joint initiative to create a “Friends of the Oceans” group within the EU Council, confirming that maritime policy has now become a strategic priority for Europe.