EPB Contribution to the European Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy

One Ocean. Two Poles. One Shared Future.

The European Polar Board (EPB) has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the forthcoming European Ocean Research and Innovation (R&I) Strategy, calling for  Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and the Arctic to be recognised as a strategic pillar of Europe’s ocean future.

In its submission, EPB highlights the vital role of the polar regions in understanding the interconnected ocean-climate-biodiversity system. Changes in Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and the Arctic influence ocean circulation, weather patterns, biodiversity and sea-level rise, with impacts extending across Europe and beyond. EPB therefore stresses that a successful Ocean R&I Strategy must recognise the strong connections between the polar regions and Europe’s seas.

The submission emphasises the need for sustained, interdisciplinary observing systems across the cryosphere, ocean, atmosphere and biosphere. Long-term polar observations underpin key European initiatives such as Copernicus, Destination Earth and the Digital Twin of the Ocean, yet continued investment is needed to ensure these observations can be maintained over time.

EPB also highlights the importance of strengthening European research infrastructures and Transnational Access (TA) opportunities. EU-funded projects such as POLARIN, AQUARIUS and INTERACT demonstrate the value of European cooperation in expanding access to research facilities, increasing their use and maximising scientific impact. Continued coordination between European and national programmes should build on existing mechanisms, including the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO), to ensure long-term benefits beyond individual project lifecycles.

The submission further underlines the role of polar research in driving innovation and the importance of international cooperation for effective ocean governance. Drawing on Europe’s strong experience of cooperation and collaboration in polar science, EPB encourages the European Commission to engage closely with the polar research community throughout the development and implementation of an ambitious and internationally connected European Ocean R&I Strategy.

EPB’s contribution was submitted on 13 July 2026 as part of the European Commission’s public consultation process.