The European Commission has taken a formal step towards defining its future Ocean and Water Research and Innovation (R&I) Strategy, opening two calls for evidence intended to gather the evidence needed to shape the document, which is expected to be finalised before the end of 2026. The initiative sits within the broader policy framework established by the EU Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact.
Both consultations are open to researchers, industry representatives, public authorities, civil society organisations and individual citizens through the Commission's Have Your Say portal, with a submission deadline of 2 August 2026.
The source-to-sea approach treats rivers, groundwater, lakes, coastal areas and seas as a single interconnected system rather than separate policy domains
Two tracks, one integrated approach from source to sea
The first call focuses on marine priorities, covering areas such as the protection and restoration of ocean ecosystems, advances in ocean observation, and the development of a sustainable blue economy. The second addresses freshwater systems, looking at water efficiency, reuse and innovative approaches to managing water resources under growing stress from climate change and pollution.
Together, the two consultations are designed to support what the Commission describes as a source-to-sea approach, treating rivers, groundwater, lakes, coastal areas and seas as a single interconnected system rather than separate policy domains.
Shaping the next funding cycle
The responses gathered will feed directly into investment planning under the next Horizon Europe programme, covering the 2028 to 2034 period, as well as the European Competitiveness Fund. The Commission has indicated that the strategy will also seek to address longstanding weaknesses in coordination across EU, national and regional research programmes, and accelerate the market deployment of innovative water and ocean technologies.
The initiative adds to a period of significant regulatory activity around EU water policy, which has seen new rules on pollutants, smart metering and water law permitting all advance in quick succession.
