On 9 May 2026 VLIZ joined the European Commission’s Open Day celebrations in Brussels on 9 May 2026. Together with DG MARE and DG RTD, and in the framework of the recently launched OceanEye initiative, VLIZ brought ocean observation closer to an estimated 18,000 visitors during a highly successful Europe Day event.
Ms Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition and European Commissioner for Competition, visited the OceanEye stand during the event, alongside Mr Thomas De Béthune, Head of the European Commission Representation in Belgium.
As Europe increasingly recognises the strategic importance of the ocean, the event offered a timely opportunity to highlight how marine knowledge and observation underpin climate resilience, maritime safety and sustainable blue growth. Alongside European partners and institutions, VLIZ contributed to showcasing how ocean data and monitoring technologies support evidence-based decision-making at both European and global level.
The exhibition stand in which VLIZ participated focused on OceanEye, the European Commission’s recently launched initiative to strengthen ocean monitoring and observation capacities across Europe and beyond. Presented earlier this year during the European Ocean Days by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, OceanEye aims to establish a more coordinated and sustainable European Ocean Observation System by 2030.
The initiative builds on existing European assets such as the Digital Twin of the Ocean (EDITO) and the Copernicus Marine Service, while fostering stronger international cooperation and long-term investment in ocean observation. OceanEye, being an essential element of the European Ocean Pact, will support EU ocean technology and innovation, and will position the EU at the forefront of international efforts to deliver a sustained Global Ocean Observing System. The European Union has already committed €50 million through Horizon Europe for the 2026–2027 period to support the initiative and the development of an international alliance for global ocean monitoring. The OceanEye initiative will be formally presented by the Commission later in 2026.
By participating in the European Commission Open Day, VLIZ contributed to raising public awareness around the societal relevance of ocean knowledge, while reinforcing its role within Europe’s evolving ocean observation landscape.
