The recently released update to the EU Arctic policy mentions the project OceanEye, aimed at collecting ocean observation data. But what is it exactly, and how does it relate to the Arctic?  

On October 20th 2026, the EU published an update to its Arctic Policy. This update places importance on closing the knowledge gaps in the Arctic, through monitoring, research, and observation. It mentions the project OceanEye, which is focused on ocean observation data. However, OceanEye is not just concerned with the Arctic. It was adopted earlier this year with the goal of putting the EU at the forefront of ocean observation.  

OceanEye - EU ocean observation initiative 

OceanEye was launched by the EU in June 2026, with the goal of enhancing cooperation in European ocean observation. The initiative foresees a European Digital Ocean System that will include existing European services like Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, WISE Marine, and WISE Freshwater, creating a single-entry point for high-quality ocean data and marine knowledge. This system will also include the European Digital Twin Ocean, set to be fully operational by 2030.  The European Digital Twin Ocean is meant to provide high-resolution spatio-temporal simulations of the ocean to understand, predict and explore “what-if” scenarios, such as the impact of off-shore impact.  

EU is planning to invest in business and education development, public engagement and international collaboration. The aim of the project is that by 2035, the EU will be the world’s leading provider of ocean intelligence, provide over a third of the world’s ocean data and lead in cutting-edge ocean-related technologies like AI, autonomous sensors, and digital twins. 

OceanEye and GOOS in the Arctic and EU Arctic policy  

The EU, together with Canada and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)  of UNESCO, has launched the OceanEye International Alliance to support the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) in September 2026, to address critical gaps in under-monitored regions, such as the Arctic. According to the Arctic policy, the EU will bring together Member States and partners, including the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway, to jointly collect and share ocean data for the project.  

GOOS is led by the IOC of UNESCO, and co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Science Council (ISC). It leads and supports a community of international, regional and national ocean observing programmes, governments, UN agencies, research organizations, and individual scientists. GOOS provides the global infrastructure for ocean observation, delivering open and freely accessible ocean data. Its goal is to have a global ocean observing system responsive to the needs of end users, able to mitigate mounting pressures on the ocean and enable resilient and sustainable blue economies by 2030. According to the EU Commission, despite its vital role, GOOS remains critically underfunded. This led the EU Commission and the IOC UNESCO to launch the International Alliance, to mobilise greater investment and strengthen coordination. The Commission will contribute €62 million through the Horizon Europe Programme. The pledges from all partner countries so far amount to at least €211 million. 

Sources: EU Commission, EEAS, GOOS, EU Arctic Policy, OceanEye  

Link: RoPON and POSH