EU Ocean Week 2026 will take place from September 28 to October 2, bringing civil society groups, policymakers and other stakeholders together under the theme “Delivering ocean health for Europe’s future”.
Organised by a coalition of Brussels-based environmental NGOs led by Seas At Risk, the week is intended to keep ocean health at the centre of European policy discussions on climate change, biodiversity and pollution.
The participating organisations include Blue Marine Foundation, BirdLife Europe & Central Asia, BLOOM, Environmental Justice Foundation, ClientEarth, Oceana Europe, Seas At Risk, Surfrider Foundation Europe and the WWF European Policy Office.
Focus on EU Ocean Act
A particular focus will be the proposed Ocean Act and measures to achieve a healthy ocean by 2030.
Organisers say the events will give NGOs, media, policymakers and citizens opportunities to exchange views on the pressures facing European seas and possible policy responses.
Activities are planned in Brussels and elsewhere in Europe, ranging from workshops and group discussions to public installations and other awareness events.
Most events will be free, although some will require advance online registration.
Life-Sized Whale at European Parliament
Among the headline events is “We Are The Whale”, which will bring a life-sized whale installation to the European Parliament Esplanade in Brussels on Tuesday, September 29.
Seas At Risk says the installation is intended to highlight the combined pressures of climate change, underwater noise, pollution and overfishing on whales and wider marine ecosystems.
The inauguration is due to involve European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, Princess Marie-Esméralda of Belgium, Seas At Risk executive director Dr Monica Verbeek and actor Wim Opbrouck, co-founder of the Institute for Research into the Enchantment of the Seas.
Climate, Biodiversity and Blue Economy
A public painting session following the inauguration will focus on three themes: the ocean’s role as a climate regulator, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, and the development of a sustainable blue economy.
The whale inauguration and painting event are free and require no registration. Further events will run throughout EU Ocean Week, and the organisers will share the full programme.
