The European Commission has published three major deliverables under the European Ocean Pact.
1. The OceanEye Initiative
The OceanEye Initiative sets an ambitious target: for the EU to contribute 35% of the global ocean observing system by 2035. Key actions include the development of a more integrated governance framework for EU ocean observation, the creation of a European Digital Ocean System bringing together existing services such as Copernicus Marine Service, EMODnet, WISE Marine and WISE Freshwater, and the establishment of a fully operational Digital Twin of the Ocean by 2030. The initiative aims to reduce inefficiencies and duplication in data collection, align investments and priorities across Member States, research bodies and industry, and fill existing gaps in ocean knowledge. Further details will be set out in the forthcoming Ocean Act proposal, expected by the end of 2026.
2. EU Strategy for Coastal Communities
The strategy focuses on three priorities: prosperity, promoting a dynamic, competitive and diversified blue economy, fostering innovation and new business models, and creating high-quality job opportunities; resilience, improving adaptability to climate change and broader environmental, economic, social and security challenges; and liveability, ensuring access to essential services, strengthening community identity and supporting sustainable local development.
3. EU Strategy for Islands
The EU Strategy for Islands is the first ever dedicated strategy for EU islands, delivering on President Von der Leyen's political commitment to address the multi-faceted challenges faced by island territories. It covers all EU islands across 16 Member States with the exception of the outermost regions, which have their own dedicated strategy. The strategy is structured around four key pillars and a horizontal governance enabler: economic development, connectivity, competitiveness and innovation; energy security, environmental protection, green transition and climate resilience; communities, demography and quality of life; and security and crisis preparedness.
