Speech by President von der Leyen at the OceanEye International Alliance Pledging Event

This is a great day for the ocean. Because today we launch the OceanEye Alliance. OceanEye has a special mission, that is – to protect Ocean Observation. And I am delighted that 30 countries have already pledged their support. Humanity has been awed by the sea since the dawn of time. But understanding the ocean has never been as important as today. Because the ocean is changing. And its transformation impacts our nature, our economies, and our communities. The ocean is telling us a lot. It is giving us vital information. Let me give you just one example. Last year, Ireland was hit by a destructive hurricane with winds above 150 km/h. The storm caused serious damage. But the data captured by ocean sensors gave Ireland almost a full week to prepare and warn its people. Here, ocean observation helped save lives and livelihoods. But beyond moments of crisis, ocean data is essential every day. It helps us: adapt to climate change, advise on shipping routes, and restore vital fishing stocks. So, we must listen to our ocean and protect it more than ever before.