29 September 2026 22:00 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission reports significant changes in the Arctic and oceans

Key points

The tenth Ocean State Report details rapid changes in global oceans, including Arctic ice loss and sea-level rise.
The European Union uses the Copernicus programme to monitor ocean health and support climate resilience.

TL;DR

The European Commission reports that average sea-level increased by about 4.2 mm per year since 2012.
The Arctic sea-ice extent fell by roughly 490,000 km² per decade between 1979 and 2025.
The Mediterranean and Black Seas experienced record-breaking marine heatwaves in 2024.
Andrius Kubilius notes that the report highlights the scale and urgency of challenges facing the ocean.
Costas Kadis states that climate change is reshaping marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Original text

European Commission - Press release Commission report finds devastating shifts in the Arctic and record- breaking marine heatwaves Brussels, 30 September 2026 The ocean is changing at an alarming pace with direct consequences for marine life, coastlines and communities all across the world. That is the main conclusion of the tenth report on the state of the ocean , published today by the Marine Environment Monitoring Service of Copernicus , the EU Earth observation programme. The report goes back to data from 1960 and shows that, due to the rising temperatures, the average sea-level increased by about 4.2 mm per year since 2012. Key findings from this year's report include: Devastating shifts for the Arctic: The Arctic, region of growing strategic importance for climate security, economic resilience and geopolitical stability, shows some of the sharpest changes. The report highlights that sea-ice extent fell by roughly 490,000 km² per decade between 1979-2025. That corresponds to the area almost as large as Spain. This loss leads to more wind and waves, which has resulted in around 60% of Arctic coastal infrastructure becoming vulnerable to erosion and sea-level rise. Regional seas in Europe experience intense temperatures: The Mediterranean and Black Sea experienced record-breaking marine heatwaves with temperatures more than 4.6 degrees above normal in 2024. Sea communities have become more vulnerable: For Small Island Developing States, 65% of their combined Exclusive Economic Zones have faced accelerating sea-level rise since 1999 due to ocean warming. Through its Copernicus programme and its Ocean State Report, the EU provides trusted data to monitor the ocean's health and support measures that protect biodiversity, cut pollution and strengthen resilience against climate change. The annual Copernicus report provides vital data on how changes in the ocean affect ecosystems, food security, economies, coastal communities and global climate regulation. For more information Ocean State Reports | CMEMS EU Space Programme IP/26/2017 Quote(s): "The Ocean State Report once again highlights the scale and urgency of the challenges facing our ocean, as climate change continues to transform marine ecosystems and ocean circulation. These changes demand stronger knowledge, international cooperation and action. As we strengthen ocean observation through the OceanEye initiative, Copernicus confirms its role as a strategic European asset. Indeed, it offers a unique long-term commitment for space-based infrastructure and services, which coupled with in situ observations and digital models, constitutes the backbone for observing, understanding and anticipating these changes." Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space "The Ocean State Report proves the immense pressures our oceans face. From record-breaking marine heatwaves in the Mediterranean and Black Seas to accelerating sea-level rise and dramatic ice loss in the Arctic, the findings show that climate change is already reshaping marine ecosystems, coastal communities and the livelihoods that depend on them. For Europe, this is a call to strengthen our action to protect marine biodiversity, support resilient fisheries and coastal areas, and deepen our knowledge of the ocean. Saving our oceans starts with acting on the clear warning signs of rapid change." Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans <@rel_link@> Press contacts: Thomas REGNIER (+32 2 299 10 99) Kateřina Horáková (+32 2 299 93 10) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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