The European Commission has launched two calls for evidence to help shape the future Ocean and Water Research and Innovation Strategy (R&I), a flagship initiative under the EU Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact. This future R&I strategy aims to reinforce Europe’s leadership in ocean and water research and innovation and technology, while bolstering competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy.
The ocean R&I call for evidence focuses on marine research and innovation priorities, including marine ecosystems protection and restoration, ocean observation, and sustainable blue economy development. In parallel, the water resilience R&I call for evidence addresses freshwater system management, water efficiency and reuse and innovative solutions for sustainable water management.
The two consultations will support the development of a ‘source-to-sea’ approach, a way of protecting water from its starting point (like a mountain spring or rainfall) all the way to the ocean. By treating rivers, groundwater, lakes, coastal areas and seas as one connected system, we can better tackle shared problems, such as pollution or flooding rather than fixing issues in isolation. Feedback from these consultations will guide future EU R&I investments, including under Europe’s multi-billion research programme Horizon Europe (2028–2034), and the European Competitiveness Fund.
Contributions will also help to improve coordination between EU, national and regional programmes, strengthen monitoring and forecasting systems for oceans and water, and accelerate the deployment and market uptake of innovative solutions and technologies.
Stakeholders are invited to share their views via the Commission’s Have Your Say portal until 2 August 2026.
