The European Commission has invested heavily in ocean carbon cycle science over recent years across topics including the ocean carbon sink, the impact of resource extraction and industrial processes, carbon dioxide removal, technology, support for global initiatives and observing systems, and the impact of ocean carbon uptake on ecosystem health. In parallel, multiple organisations such as ICOS, EMBRC and JPI Oceans are delivering programmes of work that complement and use the results of these projects. Given the scale of the investment, the acceleration in ocean activity and the severity of the climate crisis, it is timely for the ocean science community to come together and jointly take stock of what this investment is telling us now and where we should go next.
The European Ocean Carbon Summit (EOCS) will address this challenge by bringing together multiple Horizon Europe projects representing 50+ million euro of EU investment. Through a series of workshops beginning in September 2026, we will assess the key results from projects at various stages of maturity, define key messages for policy, suggest pathways toward action, identify gaps and define next steps. A report will summarise the results and provide consensus around priorities for future investment.
Save the Date
This report will be presented at an interactive event on 26 May 2027 in Brussels. The programme will feature project presentations, discussions to connect the key messages to stakeholders, end users and policy makers, and an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important achievements of the various projects.
How far has this advanced? A Steering Committee has been formed with representatives from nine projects and participating organisations. DG MARE and DG RTE stakeholders have been debriefed and agreed to save the date. REA project officers have responded favourably to the concept. International organisations are in discussion to support and participate.
For more information and to see who is involved thus far, please visit our registration information page.
