Brussels, 3 June 2026 (dpa/MIA) - The European Commission plans to invest €92 million ($106.7 million) in ocean observation technologies as part of a drive to make Europe the world's leading provider of ocean data.

"Europe will lead the race to understand our ocean, to protect it, and to sustainably harness its potential," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.

"This is about using science and good governance to understand our ocean and secure our future," she said.

Ocean observation is crucial not only for marine protection and climate forecasting, but also for economic activities like fisheries, offshore energy and shipping, the commission said.

The funding will come from the European Union's research programme Horizon Europe.

Some €51 million will go towards strengthening the EU's contribution to the United Nation's Global Ocean Observing System, €30 million towards innovation and €12 million towards improving data sharing and accessibility.

The commission aims for the EU to contribute "to 35% of the global ocean observing system by 2035 and securing 35% of the market for ocean observation technologies," a press release said.

The commission also called for better coordination between EU countries, research bodies and the industry to align investments and priorities.

Photo: Horizon Europe