Commission launches two calls for evidence on the future ocean and water research and innovation strategy

Today, the European Commission has launched two calls for evidence to help shape the future Ocean and Water Research and Innovation (R&I) Strategy. This key follow-up initiative is expected to be adopted by the end of 2026.

The strategy aims to strengthen Europe's capacity in ocean and water research and innovation by addressing persistent challenges such as fragmented coordination across EU, national and regional levels, and barriers to bringing innovations to market. It will also support efforts to tackle increasing pressures linked to climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and water scarcity.

European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva:

"The ocean and water are central to Europe's sustainability, competitiveness and security. Through the future European Ocean and Water Research and Innovation Strategy, we want to transform cutting-edge science into practical solutions that protect ecosystems, strengthen resilience and support a competitive blue and water-smart economy.We invite researchers, innovators, policymakers and stakeholders to help shape Europe's future priorities in ocean and water research and innovation. By investing in innovation and accelerating the uptake of solutions, Europe can reinforce its global leadership while building a more resilient and sustainable future for all."

European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis:

"Our ocean and water have no borders, and neither should our ambition to protect them. Today, European's ocean and water research and innovation remain fragmented. Challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution demand unity, not isolation.

Today, we launch two calls for evidence to shape future the EU ocean and water research and innovation strategy - a crucial step that will unite our knowledge, infrastructure, and talent for more competitive ocean science, technology, and blue economy."

European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall:

"With the EU Water Resilience Strategy, we are stepping up action to protect and restore our oceans and water. Our aim is to create a water-smart economy that unlocks and scales up innovative solutions to manage water with a source-to-sea approach, and use water more efficiently. By stepping up research and innovation we want to turn knowledge into practical solutions for ocean health and water efficiency, including the upscaling of nature-based solutions for climate and water resilience. I invite all experts and stakeholders to contribute their experience and help shape this work."

Based on a source-to-sea approach, the strategy will strengthen Europe's leadership in ocean and water science, innovation and technology. It will support a sustainable blue economy and a water-smart economy, and enhance Europe's overall resilience, competitiveness and strategic autonomy, which will help Europe to achieve its environmental and climate goals.

The two calls for evidence will support the development of a coordinated source-to-sea approach, connecting rivers, groundwater, lakes, coastal areas and seas to better address interconnected environmental and societal challenges.

The ocean R&I Call for Evidence focuses on ocean-related research and innovation priorities, including marine ecosystems, ocean observation, marine knowledge and the sustainable blue economy. The water resilience R&I Call for Evidence, addresses freshwater systems, water resilience and efficiency, and innovative solutions for sustainable water management.

The Calls for Evidence are open until 02/08/2026 on the Commission's "Have Your Say" portal, available in all official EU languages. Researchers, innovators, industry, policymakers, public authorities, NGOs, stakeholders and citizens are invited to share their views on the challenges, opportunities and priorities for ocean and water research and innovation.

The feedback collected will contribute to the development of the strategy, which aims to:

• strengthen the EU's global leadership in ocean and water sciences
• identify and structure strategic R&I priorities and investments under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, Horizon Europe 2028-2034, and the European Competitiveness Fund
• improve coordination in research and innovation to better align EU, national and regional programmes and boost cross-border and international collaboration
• support innovative solutions for the protection and restoration of ocean and water ecosystems and increase the upscale of nature-based solutions, while creating new business opportunities in the blue economy and water sector
• strengthen ocean and water observation, monitoring and forecasting systems through new models, technologies and improved knowledge-sharing
• support the implementation of EU legislation and international processes linked to seas and ocean, water protection and resilience, biodiversity and climate adaptation
• optimise support across the innovation cycle, from research to scale-up, deployment and market uptake.
• strengthen skills development for ocean science, water resilience and blue economy jobs

The contributions will also help shape priorities under Horizon Europe 2028-2034 and strengthen synergies with local, national and regional strategies.

Background

Announced under the European Ocean Pact and contributing to the objectives of the EU Water Resilience Strategy, the future Ocean and Water Research and Innovation Strategy responds to the growing need to invest in research and innovation to address climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and increasing water stress.

The strategy will help Europe strengthen its scientific, technological and industrial leadership in ocean and water-related sectors while improving preparedness, resilience and sustainability.

Research and innovation will play a central role in restoring ecosystems, supporting climate adaptation, improving water management and accelerating the development and deployment of innovative solutions and technologies.

The initiative will also help strengthen coordination across Horizon Europe, EU Missions and partnerships, while improving synergies with future EU funding instruments and private investment to support innovation uptake and market deployment.

More information

The European Ocean Pact

Water resilience strategy

Call for evidence Ocean

Call for evidence Water Resilience

Press contact:

EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation