Twelve European countries endorsed a joint declaration at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice on 10 June, reaffirming their commitment to collaborate on the creation of the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean.
Led by the governments of France and Norway, this new intergovernmental organization aims to deliver digital ocean systems, including the European Digital Twin of the Ocean. As stated, these systems will provide reliable, real-time information to support climate resilience, marine safety, environmental protection and sustainable blue economy.
The Mercator International Centre for the Ocean will guarantee the continuity of the Copernicus Marine Service and advance major initiatives such as the EU Digital Twin Ocean, the UN Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre for Ocean Prediction and various international capacity-building projects. The Centre is preparing for its operational launch in 2027.
In addition, the Centre aims to unite nations to harness digital innovation and scientific excellence for ocean protection and sustainable blue economies. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, it will serve as a global hub for collaboration and innovation, empowering governments, stakeholders and society to make informed decisions.
With the establishment of the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean, Europe reaffirms its leadership in ocean science and innovation. This new organisation will equip us with the knowledge and tools needed to protect our ocean and support the transition to a sustainable blue economy. France is proud to be at the forefront of this historic initiative.
…said Agnès Pannier-Runacher, France Minister of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forestry, Sea, and Fisheries.
This key step builds on the momentum from the 2022 Declaration of Brest, where European leaders acknowledged the urgent need for an intergovernmental organization to provide trustworthy digital ocean knowledge accessible to all. Over the past three years, this vision has been shaped through targeted diplomatic consultations, culminating in the finalization of the Convention in Paris in April 2025.
The rise of Mercator Ocean is also the rise of a model: that of international cooperation among those committed to advancing science and research. In these troubled times, I believe more than ever that we must defend and foster such models.
…Philippe Baptiste, France Minister for Higher Education and Research, commented.
The twelve governments that signed the declaration at UNOC3 are Belgium, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
Norway has always championed international cooperation in ocean science. By establishing this new Centre, we strengthen our collective ability to understand, predict, and safeguard the ocean for generations to come. Together, we are building a foundation for informed action, grounded in the best available science.
…said Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Norway Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.
Pierre Bahurel, Director General of Mercator Ocean International also reaffirmed that this new organisation is built on the firm belief that only through international cooperation and the active engagement of all ocean decision-makers can we effectively tackle urgent global challenges.
While initiated by European states, this new organization is designed with a truly global vision: committed to working hand in hand with national, regional, and international partners, including the United Nations. By transforming how we generate, share, and validate ocean knowledge, it will help ensure that reliable, authoritative information is accessible to all who depend on a healthy ocean.
…Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean highlighted.
