Overview   Policy

IMDIS 2026 will take place in Split, Croatia, from 30 November to 3 December 2026, organised by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IOF) in collaboration with SeaDataNet AISBL, IFREMER, MARIS, NOC and INGV, many of whom are long-standing EMODnet partners. The conference will bring together experts from across the marine data community to showcase advances in data infrastructures, interoperable systems, tools and platforms, and the transformation of marine data into knowledge and decision-support products.

The World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB) 2026 will take place from 17–20 November 2026 in Bruges, Belgium, with organisation led by the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ). This flagship global event will gather scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the latest research, innovations, and solutions for marine biodiversity observations, data, conservation and sustainable ocean management. The Call for Abstracts is open until 17 March 2026 (23:59 CET), and registration is now available via the WCMB 2026 registration portal, with early-bird rates valid until 18 June 2026. Find all submission details and updates on the WCMB 2026 website.

The call for abstracts for the World Conference on Marine Biodiversity 2026 (WCMB 2026) is now open until 17 March 2026. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are invited to submit abstracts across the conference themes, including a dedicated EMODnet session focused on “Science that makes a difference: supporting knowledge-based policies.” This session will explore how marine knowledge and data can better inform policy and decision-making processes. Find out more and submit an abstract: Call for abstracts: https://www.wcmb2026.org/call-abstracts
EMODnet session: https://www.wcmb2026.org/6-science-makes-difference-supporting-knowledge-based-policiesTitle: EGI Conference 2026: Advancing Digital Infrastructure for Science and Innovation

On 23 April, the European Commission launched a public consultation to help shape the European Ocean Act, following an earlier call for evidence in January 2026. Open until 16 July, this questionnaire invites stakeholders to share their views, including those from public authorities and administrations, experts, citizens, and coastal communities. Find out more

The European MSP Week 2026 will take place in Brussels, Belgium, from 1-5 June 2026, bringing together projects and initiatives from across Europe dedicated to Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). Organised with contributions from EU-funded projects, the week will feature a range of events, including the first Great North Sea Basin Initiative Stakeholder Conference, fostering exchange and collaboration across the MSP community.

The European Maritime Day 2026 will take place 21-22 May in Limassol, Cyprus, bringing together Europe’s maritime community to highlight the breadth of sea-related activities and the vital role oceans play in our daily lives. Organised by the European Commission and Cypriot partners, the event offers a vibrant platform for Ocean leaders in private, policy, academic and society sectors to connect, share insights and shape joint action for sustainable Blue Economy.

The EuroGOOS International Conference, taking place from 18-20 May 2026 in Larnaca, Cyprus, will bring together Europe’s ocean observing and forecasting community to discuss the latest advances in operational oceanography.

EMODnet Seabed Habitats (ESH) is organising a three-day workshop in Anguilla (22–24 April 2026). It will facilitate engagement with regional stakeholders and actors in seabed mapping in the Caribbean region, building on existing partnerships. The workshop will provide an overview of ESH work, explore regional habitat mapping efforts, and create space for exchange to ensure EMODnet activities effectively address regional needs.

The Technical Expert Group on Data for Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) has launched the Navigating MSP Tools webinar series, showcasing how ReMAP tools support MSP across Europe. The second webinar, taking place on 17 April 2026, focuses on governance in MSP. Marta Ballesteros will present the ReMAP Governance module (MSP-GOV), highlighting how coordination mechanisms can support the monitoring, review and improvement of marine spatial plans. Find out more and register today.

EMODnet contributed to the “Marine Data for MSP 2026” workshop in Brussels, organised by Mercator Ocean International. The event highlighted how EMODnet, the Copernicus Marine Service and EDITO support Maritime Spatial Planning through open and reliable ocean data for evidence-based decision-making. Nathalie Tonné (EMODnet Project Manager) presented how EMODnet tools and services support the MSP community, including access to harmonised marine data across themes and its use for planning and analysis.

During the Q1 2026 Decade Implementing Partners (DIPs) meeting Quarterly Call, Jan-Bart Calewaert represented EMODnet, highlighting its role as a Decade Implementing Partner supporting collaboration, outreach, and co-designed actions across the Ocean Decade. He also shared updates on joint activities since the previous meeting, reinforcing EMODnet’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing data-driven ocean knowledge.

The Cohesion Open Data Platform provides access to thousands of EU-funded projects across Europe. The European Commission is now inviting users to share their experience and help improve how this data is accessed, presented and used. If you use EU funding data for research, project monitoring, communication or analysis, your input can make a difference. Take the survey and help shape the future of EU funding data.

The European Commission has launched a combined public consultation and call for evidence on the update of the EU Arctic Policy to ensure the policy remains fit for purpose in addressing rapid environmental and geopolitical changes in the Arctic. Contributions will inform the review of climate, security, environmental protection, sustainable development, and international cooperation elements of the EU’s Arctic engagement. The Call is open until 16 March 2026. Find out more:

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence in support of the ongoing review of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). This consultation invites input from stakeholders including scientists, public authorities, industry, NGOs, and citizens to help assess the effectiveness of the MSFD, identify challenges, and shape options for potential revision to better protect marine ecosystems and support sustainable use. The Call is open until 9 March 2026. Find out more: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/16093-Marine-environment-protection-revision-of-EU-rules_en

The third edition of the European Ocean Days will take place on 2–6 March 2026, bringing together Europe’s ocean community to explore ocean literacy, blue skills, innovation, investment and the latest progress under the EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters. Guided by the European Ocean Pact, the week will feature thematic sessions, stakeholder consultations and opportunities to help shape future ocean and water resilience strategies. Stay tuned for registration opening in December.

On 2-6 March 2026 the marine and maritime stakeholder community will gather in Brussels, Belgium for the latest edition of European Ocean Days, a week-long event with a series of dynamic and interconnected sessions focused on key ocean-related themes, all designed to encourage participants to engage across topics and contribute to a shared vision for the prosperity, competitiveness, security and sustainability of our ocean.

Registrations are now open for European Ocean Days 2026, taking place in Brussels from 2 to 6 March 2026. The week brings together EU institutions, Mission projects, and stakeholders to exchange on ocean governance, innovation, and implementation. A highlight of the programme is the Mission Ocean & Waters Forum, held on 5 March 2026 at the Charlemagne Building. The Forum offers a key opportunity to connect with fellow projects, discuss the Mission’s strategic priorities, and explore pathways for scaling and deployment of innovative solutions. A call for digital posters is also open, with submissions due by 20 February 2026.

The European Commission has opened a four-week call for applications to join the newly established High-Level European Ocean Board, created under the European Ocean Pact. The Board will advise the Commission on the effective implementation of the Pact, provide expert opinions on key ocean policy matters, and strengthen coherence between EU initiatives and private sector action. Comprising up to 25 members with recognised expertise in ocean governance, maritime economy and marine or coastal policy, the Board will play a strategic role in advancing ocean observation, research and innovation, ocean literacy and the sustainable blue economy. The first meeting is expected in March 2026. Find out more and apply via the European Commission website.

A diverse delegation of EMODnet experts attended the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026 between 23-27 February in Glasgow, with presentations and inputs spanning the Central Portal, thematics, data ingestion, and the Secretariat. Topics spanned ocean observations to data and users, from EMODnet's central role as a regional (European) ocean data service for the UN Ocean Decade to the latest thematic innovations in marine data and data products and EMODnet's pivotal role in shaping a resilient, interoperable and operational European and global ocean data ecosystem.

The UN Ocean Decade Citizen Science Data Sharing Guidelines have been released, developed with strong community input and with EMODnet contributing in an advisory capacity. As marine citizen science becomes a cornerstone of Europe’s marine knowledge landscape, these guidelines provide essential foundations for sharing high-quality, interoperable data. EMODnet already supports citizen science by responding to community data needs and integrating citizen-generated observations across its services to strengthen European marine data products. Looking ahead, EMODnet aims to become Europe’s hub for non-traditional data producers, as set out in the EMODnet Vision 2035, making these guidelines a key building block for a more inclusive and participatory ocean knowledge ecosystem. Click below and explore the guidelines.