Dear partners, colleagues, participants of the 4th EMODnet Open Conference,

I am delighted to open this conference, even if I cannot be physically with you.

Since its inception, EMODnet has been a cornerstone of European marine knowledge – breaking down silos, connecting communities, and providing open, free, and quality-controlled data to all. Today, EMODnet stands as the backbone of Europes marine in-situ, local data ecosystem, playing a key role in our digital and green transitions, and supporting the policies that guide us to a sustainable future.

Today, we stand at a defining moment—not just for EMODnet, but for the future of our ocean, our climate, and our shared vision of prosperity across our seas.

EMODnet stands as a model of successful implementation of directives, such as INSPIRE and Open Data. It shows what we can achieve together as a Union, when we share data and knowledge about our European seas and beyond.

This 4th EMODnet conference comes at a time of unprecedented momentum. Just this June, the European Commission adopted the European Ocean Pact, a bold call for coordinated, evidence-based action to protect and sustainably manage our seas.

At the heart of the Pact is the Ocean Observation Initiative, announced by President von der Leyen at the UN Ocean Conference. This is Europes response to global shifts threatening ocean sustainability and European autonomy.

And EMODnet is right at the center of it: providing the in-situ data that will feed the European Digital Twin Ocean – strengthening Europes leadership in global marine data management and linking the European Ocean Observing System with actionable marine knowledge.

We are also on the cusp of a new era with the launch of EMODnets Vision 2035 – a community-driven roadmap that will shape the networks evolution over the next decade. This vision will reinforce EMODnet role as a central asset for EU policies, a key player in the European Digital Twin Ocean, and a European model in global collaborative delivery frameworks. Because EMODnet is more than a European success story,  it is a leader in marine data and data diplomacy.

Todays gathering reminds us that the ocean is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change; it is a vital source of food, energy, and livelihoods; and our shared responsibility.

The challenges we face, from biodiversity loss to climate change impacts, demand more than action; they demand coordinated, knowledge-driven action.

This is exactly what EMODnet enables. As one of Europes marine knowledge services, EMODnet bridges data with decision-making, connects science with policy, and links todays challenges with tomorrows solutions.

The developing European Digital Twin Ocean is a proof to what we can achieve together. As a learning replica of our marine world, it will help us simulate, predict, and understand the ocean like never before. But its success depends on the quality and availability of data. And thats where EMODnet shines. From our coastal zones to the seabed, from water columns to marine biodiversity, EMODnet provides the essential in-situ data that make the Digital Twin possible. This allows us to develop tailor- made applications for both public and private users. As we strive to make the Digital Twin fully operational by 2030, EMODnet stands as its local data foundation – ensuring that our digital ocean truly mirrors the reality of our ocean.

To our partners, data providers, and users - thank you!

Your collaboration, expertise, and commitment have made EMODnet what it is today. But our journey is not yet over.

Over the next two days, I encourage you to think big. Ask yourselves:

  • How can EMODnet deepen knowledge and bolster marine policy support? How can it refine the value chain from observations to action?
  • How do we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the next decade?
  • What improvements are necessary, and how can the network grow and integrate better with other European marine knowledge assets?

The answers lie in our shared ambition. The Ocean Observation Initiative, the European Digital Twin Ocean, and the continued growth of EMODnet, all reflect our shared commitment to a healthier and more resilient ocean. They represent our promise to future generations for wise stewardship of marine resources, for biodiversity protection, and for harnessing the full potential of a sustainable blue economy.

So let this conference inspire you – to innovate, to collaborate and to act. Lets set EMODnet on a course that reflects the urgency of our times and the ambition of our goals.

Together, we can transform data into decisions, knowledge into action, and vision into reality.

Thank you for being part of this community, for being part of EMODnet, and for your unwavering dedication to our ocean.

Let the 4th EMODnet Open Conference begin!