A new wave of projects has secured funding under the latest EU Mission Ocean and Waters calls. With a total budget of €116 million, the 13 projects selected will deliver a wide variety of benefits to the ocean and waters in the EU and beyond, as well as the communities that rely on them.According to the official EU website, the projects will be implemented across various sea basins, including the Black Sea, Danube River, Baltic and North Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Atlantic and Arctic regions.
The projects focus on preserving offshore marine protected areas, protecting and restoring the habitats of migratory fish in the Danube area, reducing the environmental impact of fisheries on marine species and habitats, strengthening citizen science in the marine sector, mobilising communities to act for our ocean and waters, ensuring an operational European Digital Twin of the Ocean (a digital representation of the ocean and its multiple components).
The projects involve SMEs, research organisations, local authorities, schools, and businesses.
With this significant investment, the EU is taking a major step towards restoring the health of the ocean and waters – a key priority under the European Ocean Pact - and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.