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Strategic Analysis
This landmark €50M Innovation Action demands an ambitious, integrated flagship initiative positioning Europe at the steering helm of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) while securing open, FAIR ocean data sovereignty via EMODnet and Copernicus. Winning proposals will balance deep-sea and polar operational sensor deployments with rigorous Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) and market-ready industrial partnerships to solidify EU strategic autonomy in marine biodiversity and climate intelligence.
TRL 4 → 8
Based on programme defaults
focus primarily on areas beyond national jurisdiction, reinforce and expand the governance frameworks and observing networks of the GOOS operating under IOC-UNESCO [3] , and the communities monitoring environmental, biological and ecosystem EOVs, to help address current structural gaps at global scale – (e.g. the polar regions, the deep sea and other under-observed regions of relevance to Europe) and to ensure that the current system is resilient and able to support key services (i.e. Copernicus Services) through interoperable and timely delivery of data;
support global strategic observation equipment deployment and coordination led by GOOS, and strengthen the integration of European biodiversity and ecosystem observing efforts into the global landscape, promoting a more equitable and sustained system and improving access and use of observations for the global good, and align efforts and improve efficiency in ocean monitoring and data collection, fostering sustained operations;
build on GOOS’s existing knowledge, perform observing system experiments (OSEs), observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) and/or apply network optimisation approaches to design and better coordinate the most reliable, sustained, cost-effective global ocean observing system (coverage, resolution, accuracy, and data redundancy), to strengthen the link between in situ and remote sensing monitoring programs and to optimise data assimilation and modelling strategies. These efforts should lead to the design and specification of a minimum viable observing system that is fit-for-purpose, notably for climate and biodiversity predictions and assessments, and for key operational services (i.e. Copernicus Services);
identify critical technology needs (including AI) and co-create, with industry, a multiplatform technology roadmap including environmental, biogeochemical and biological sensors. Demonstrate the efficacy of high TRL sensors measuring Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), with enhanced data integration and interoperability, to accelerate the maturation, scaling and uptake of innovative technologies with broad application potential;
ensure that infrastructures, technologies and data are effectively used, shared and sustained across regions and communities, through skills development, training, and knowledge exchange.
support the coordination efforts of GOOS and of its components, support the EU contributions to G7-FSOI and ensure appropriate connections and coherence with IOC-IODE and the Essential Biodiversity Variable framework developed under GEO BON.
scientists, public authorities and businesses benefit from strengthened and resilient global ocean observing capacities, coordinated under the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), [1] through the deployment of ocean observation equipment, in particular for the provision of critical observations for marine biodiversity and ecosystem knowledge;
public authorities prioritise investments on infrastructures and capacity building to advance ocean research, protect and restore ocean health and biodiversity and provide critical services through a global ocean observing system and data delivery that is fit-for purpose, cost efficient and designed across all its components;
increased EU leadership and strategic autonomy in global ocean observation capabilities, in support of EU climate and biodiversity goals, strengthening the EU’s contribution to and influence within GOOS, and reducing the risk of critical dependencies, notably for key services (i.e. Copernicus Services);
enhanced collaboration between observation communities, marine research infrastructures, European SMEs and technology providers, maritime industries, and service operators, actionably contributing to the validation, procurement readiness, uptake and large-scale deployment of innovative ocean observing technologies and approaches, in particular for biodiversity observations, while reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the global ocean observing system.
No expected impacts identified for this destination.
EU Ocean Pact
highThe EU Ocean Pact represents a strategic commitment to strengthening ocean governance, maritime security, and sustainable blue economy initiatives across Member States. It promotes coordinated investment, sustainable resource management, and robust ocean observation infrastructure.
Evaluators expect proposals to show direct alignment with European ocean governance priorities, illustrating how improved observation and monitoring reinforce strategic maritime sovereignty and policy coherence.
EU Ocean Observation Initiative “OceanEye”
highThe EU Ocean Observation Initiative (often designated as OceanEye) is a strategic initiative aimed at sharing, coordinating, and streamlining ocean observing capabilities and data streams across Europe. It supports improved marine forecasting, environmental status assessments, and international ocean monitoring partnerships.
Evaluators look for concrete integration pathways with existing European marine observation infrastructures, ensuring data interoperability, standardisation, and support for high-resolution operational oceanography.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
highAs a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing ecological resilience, especially in the context of forest ecosystems and soil health. Specific attention to how living labs can support biodiversity monitoring and restoration in forests and natural lands is crucial.
EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters
highThe EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters aims to protect and restore the health of ocean and freshwater ecosystems by 2030 through research, innovation, citizen engagement, and blue investments. Its primary objectives include preventing pollution, restoring degraded marine habitats, and making the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular.
Evaluators expect proposals to outline concrete synergies with Mission lighthouses, demonstrating how observational data directly assist monitoring, habitat protection, and ecosystem restoration objectives.
European Climate Law
highThe European Climate Law (Regulation (EU) 2021/1119) writes into law the EU's commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and sets an intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. It mandates continuous monitoring and adaptation assessment based on the best available science.
Evaluators expect proposals to articulate how ocean observing feeds directly into climate adaptation and mitigation tracking, enhancing resilience and reducing uncertainty in climate projections.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
highAdopted under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2022, this global framework sets 4 global goals and 23 targets for 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. It includes key targets on sustainable agriculture, reducing pesticide risks, and integrating biodiversity values across all economic sectors.
Evaluators expect proposals handling agricultural data to demonstrate how data-driven farming practices actively measure, monitor, and support biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration on managed farmlands.
Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)
highThe BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty), adopted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, establishes a legal framework for conserving and sustainably using marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Key pillars include marine genetic resources, area-based management tools like marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and capacity building.
Evaluators expect proposals to detail how observation platforms and open marine data support international governance, baseline assessments, and the scientific monitoring of international waters and marine protected areas.
Specific requirements
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Funding eligibility for international organisations
All international organisations are exceptionally eligible for funding.
Exclusion of entities controlled by China
In line with the restriction on control in innovation actions in critical technology areas delineated in General Annex B, entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate in the action.
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The page limit of the application is 100 pages.
described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
All international organisations are exceptionally eligible for funding.
In line with the “restriction on control in innovation actions in critical technology areas” delineated in General Annex B of the General Annexes, entities established in an eligible country but which are directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate in the action.
The following additional eligibility criteria apply: if projects collect in-situ data and marine observation, beneficiaries must make them openly available through the European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODnet), based on the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principle.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
The evaluation committee will be composed partially by representatives of EU institutions.
described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Purchases of equipment, infrastructure or other assets specifically for the action (or developed as part of the action tasks) may be declared as full capitalised costs.
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates
Please use the application form that you will find in the Submission System. You can find examples of standard application forms in the Reference Documents page.
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1)
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1 BLIND)
Standard evaluation form (HE PCP PPI)
Standard evaluation form (HE COFUND)
Standard evaluation form (HE FPA)
Standard evaluation form (HE MSCA)
Standard evaluation form (HE EIC PATHFINDER CHALLENGES)
Standard evaluation form (HE EIC PATHFINDER OPEN)
Standard evaluation form (HE EIC TRANSITION)
Standard evaluation form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 1 - short proposal)
Standard evaluation form (HE EIC Accelerator stage 2 - full proposal)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Framework Partnership Agreement FPA
Call-specific instructions
Information on financial support to third parties (HE)
Information on clinical studies (HE)
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 3. Research Infrastructures
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 4. Health
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 5. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 10. European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 12. Missions
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 13. New European Bauhaus Facility (NEB)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 14. Horizontal Activities
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will prioritize concrete, operational integration over theoretical frameworks. They will strictly score:
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1focus primarily on areas beyond national jurisdiction, reinforce and expand the governance frameworks and observing networks of the GOOS operating under IOC-UNESCO [3] , and the communities monitoring environmental, biological and ecosystem EOVs, to help address current structural gaps at global scale – (e.g. the polar regions, the deep sea and other under-observed regions of relevance to Europe) and to ensure that the current system is resilient and able to support key services (i.e. Copernicus Services) through interoperable and timely delivery of data; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2support global strategic observation equipment deployment and coordination led by GOOS, and strengthen the integration of European biodiversity and ecosystem observing efforts into the global landscape, promoting a more equitable and sustained system and improving access and use of observations for the global good, and align efforts and improve efficiency in ocean monitoring and data collection, fostering sustained operations; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3build on GOOS’s existing knowledge, perform observing system experiments (OSEs), observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) and/or apply network optimisation approaches to design and better coordinate the most reliable, sustained, cost-effective global ocean observing system (coverage, resolution, accuracy, and data redundancy), to strengthen the link between in situ and remote sensing monitoring programs and to optimise data assimilation and modelling strategies. These efforts should lead to the design and specification of a minimum viable observing system that is fit-for-purpose, notably for climate and biodiversity predictions and assessments, and for key operational services (i.e. Copernicus Services); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4identify critical technology needs (including AI) and co-create, with industry, a multiplatform technology roadmap including environmental, biogeochemical and biological sensors. Demonstrate the efficacy of high TRL sensors measuring Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), with enhanced data integration and interoperability, to accelerate the maturation, scaling and uptake of innovative technologies with broad application potential; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5ensure that infrastructures, technologies and data are effectively used, shared and sustained across regions and communities, through skills development, training, and knowledge exchange. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6support the coordination efforts of GOOS and of its components, support the EU contributions to G7-FSOI and ensure appropriate connections and coherence with IOC-IODE and the Essential Biodiversity Variable framework developed under GEO BON. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1scientists, public authorities and businesses benefit from strengthened and resilient global ocean observing capacities, coordinated under the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), [1] through the deployment of ocean observation equipment, in particular for the provision of critical observations for marine biodiversity and ecosystem knowledge; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2public authorities prioritise investments on infrastructures and capacity building to advance ocean research, protect and restore ocean health and biodiversity and provide critical services through a global ocean observing system and data delivery that is fit-for purpose, cost efficient and designed across all its components; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3increased EU leadership and strategic autonomy in global ocean observation capabilities, in support of EU climate and biodiversity goals, strengthening the EU’s contribution to and influence within GOOS, and reducing the risk of critical dependencies, notably for key services (i.e. Copernicus Services); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4enhanced collaboration between observation communities, marine research infrastructures, European SMEs and technology providers, maritime industries, and service operators, actionably contributing to the validation, procurement readiness, uptake and large-scale deployment of innovative ocean observing technologies and approaches, in particular for biodiversity observations, while reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the global ocean observing system. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Coordination with ESA Earth System Science and FutureEO programmeThis topic is part of an ESA-EC Earth System Science Initiative (ESSI) under the Ocean Flagship; successful consortia must coordinate with projects selected under ESA's FutureEO programme. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Open FAIR data availability via EMODnetBeneficiaries collecting in-situ data and marine observations must make them openly available through the European Marine Observation and Data network (EMODnet) based on FAIR principles. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Mandatory use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS earth observation servicesIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Support to G7-FSOI, IOC-IODE, and GEO BON frameworksProposals should support EU contributions to G7-FSOI and ensure appropriate connections and coherence with IOC-IODE and the Essential Biodiversity Variable framework developed under GEO BON. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5International cooperation with IOC-UNESCO, GOOS, and global partnersProposals should foster strengthened cooperation with Member States, Associated Countries, international partners, and global governance frameworks including IOC-UNESCO and GOOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Reducing critical dependencies on third countriesProposals should, where relevant, prioritise solutions that contribute to reducing critical dependencies on third countries while ensuring performance, interoperability, and long-term sustainability. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Cross-community skills development, training, and knowledge exchangeInfrastructures, technologies, and data must be effectively used, shared, and sustained across regions and communities through skills development, training, and knowledge exchange. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| No expected impacts in this call. | |||
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1eu ocean pactThe EU Ocean Pact represents a strategic commitment to strengthening ocean governance, maritime security, and sustainable blue economy initiatives across Member States. It promotes coordinated investment, sustainable resource management, and robust ocean observation infrastructure. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2eu ocean observation initiative oceaneyeThe EU Ocean Observation Initiative (often designated as OceanEye) is a strategic initiative aimed at sharing, coordinating, and streamlining ocean observing capabilities and data streams across Europe. It supports improved marine forecasting, environmental status assessments, and international ocean monitoring partnerships. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3eu biodiversity strategy for 2030As a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu mission restore our ocean and watersThe EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters aims to protect and restore the health of ocean and freshwater ecosystems by 2030 through research, innovation, citizen engagement, and blue investments. Its primary objectives include preventing pollution, restoring degraded marine habitats, and making the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5european climate lawThe European Climate Law (Regulation (EU) 2021/1119) writes into law the EU's commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and sets an intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. It mandates continuous monitoring and adaptation assessment based on the best available science. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6kunming-montreal global biodiversity frameworkAdopted under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2022, this global framework sets 4 global goals and 23 targets for 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. It includes key targets on sustainable agriculture, reducing pesticide risks, and integrating biodiversity values across all economic sectors. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL7agreement on marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (bbnj)The BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty), adopted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, establishes a legal framework for conserving and sustainably using marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Key pillars include marine genetic resources, area-based management tools like marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and capacity building. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Funding eligibility for international organisations
All international organisations are exceptionally eligible for funding.
Exclusion of entities controlled by China
In line with the restriction on control in innovation actions in critical technology areas delineated in General Annex B, entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate in the action.
5 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
This call enforces a strict restriction on control in critical technology areas. Any consortium member directly or indirectly controlled by China or a Chinese legal entity will be disqualified at the eligibility check. You must rigorously vet the corporate ownership structures of all participating SMEs and industrial partners before submission.
Source: Eligibility rules
Open data sharing is not just an evaluation bonus; it is a strict eligibility condition. If your project collects in-situ marine data, it must be openly available through EMODnet following FAIR principles. Furthermore, any use of satellite data mandates the use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Evaluators will strictly score immediate, operational integration with these platforms.
Source: Eligibility rules / Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Unlike standard Horizon Europe rules that typically only allow depreciation, this call explicitly permits purchases of equipment and infrastructure to be declared as full capitalised costs. Evaluators will actively look for these declarations to ensure the immediate deployment of high-TRL multiplatform sensors in critical observation gaps like the deep sea and polar regions.
Source: Eligibility rules / Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The call is part of a joint Earth System Science initiative between the EC and the European Space Agency. Your proposal must explicitly allocate resources and define workflows to coordinate with projects selected under ESA's FutureEO programme. Failing to structure this coordination into your work plan will misalign with the call's structural expectations.
Source: Scope
The scope explicitly dictates that proposals must contribute to all listed expected outcomes. You cannot cherry-pick between strengthening GOOS capacities, advancing public authority investments, increasing EU strategic autonomy, or enhancing SME collaboration. Your work packages must structurally map to every single outcome to avoid severe scoring penalties.
Source: Scope / Expected outcome
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