On 15 June 2026, 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.
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. 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.
More information:
Call for evidence Water Resilience
Source: European Commission | Directorate-General for Research and Innovation