International ocean community unites behind Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement, setting priorities for ocean knowledge, cooperation, and future leadership

Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 concluded today with the release of the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement - a shared commitment to strengthen ocean knowledge, deepen Atlantic cooperation and invest in the next generation of ocean leaders. Representing the collective voice of the European Union and the Atlantic Ocean research community, the Statement positions the Atlantic as a strategic asset for Europe's future resilience, sustainability, security, and competitiveness.

Jointly organised by the Marine Institute, University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, Atlantic Summit Galway was an Associated Event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. More than 350 policymakers, researchers, scientists, industry leaders, innovators, educators, international organisations, coastal stakeholders and early-career ocean professionals from across Europe and the wider Atlantic region attended the event.  Over two days, participants explored how research, innovation, skills, and international cooperation can support a sustainable, resilient, and competitive Atlantic future.

Discussions culminated in the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement outlining three priorities for Europe's ocean future: making ocean knowledge a strategic investment priority, strengthening Atlantic partnerships and cooperation, and investing in skills and leadership.

A shared statement for Europe’s ocean future

The Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement recognises that the Atlantic Ocean remains central to Europe's environmental, economic, and strategic interests while facing growing pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, geopolitical instability, and increasing demands on ocean resources. The Statement calls for strengthened action across three priority areas:

1. Make Ocean Knowledge a Strategic Investment Priority for Europe

Delegates called for ocean knowledge to be recognised as a strategic capability and a cornerstone of Europe's future competitiveness, resilience, and maritime security. The Statement highlights the importance of sustained investment in ocean knowledge systems under the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework and Horizon Europe programme. Ocean knowledge systems comprise ocean observations, data systems, data products and services, research and innovation, expertise, infrastructures, networks, partnerships, and programmes.

2. Strengthen Atlantic Partnerships and Cooperation

The Summit reaffirmed the value of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance and called for deeper cooperation across the Atlantic basin to address shared environmental, economic, and geopolitical challenges. Stronger international partnerships were recognised as essential to accelerating innovation, strengthening ocean governance, and maximising the benefits of research and investment.

3. Invest in Skills and Leadership for Europe's Ocean Future

Recognising that Europe's ocean ambitions will depend on people as much as infrastructure, delegates highlighted the need for continued investment in education, training, mentoring, and capacity-building. Particular emphasis was placed on empowering Early Career Ocean Professionals and creating stronger pathways into ocean research, innovation, policy, and governance.

Taken together, these priorities reflect a shared recognition that Europe's future prosperity, sustainability and resilience will depend on its ability to generate, share and apply ocean knowledge through stronger partnerships, strategic investment, and skills development.

Speaking at the release of Atlantic Summit 2026 Outcome Statement Dr Fiona Grant, Marine Institute and Chair of the European Marine Board, said:

 "From Galway, on Europe's Atlantic edge, a clear message has emerged: the ocean is not separate from Europe's future. It is central to it. Europe's prosperity, resilience, security, and competitiveness will depend on our ability to understand, protect, and sustainably manage our ocean. That is why the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement calls for action in three areas: making ocean knowledge a strategic investment priority, strengthening Atlantic cooperation and investing in the next generation of ocean leaders.

 What has been achieved in Galway is more than a statement of intent. It is a commitment to collective action. The Atlantic has always connected our nations. Today, it connects us through a shared responsibility to shape its future and ensure it remains a source of opportunity, sustainability and prosperity for generations to come."

 Professor Frances Fahy, Director of the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, said:

"We are sending a powerful message: investment in ocean knowledge is an investment in Europe's future. At a time of growing environmental, economic, and geopolitical uncertainty, the ability to understand our ocean and act on that knowledge has never been more important. Meeting the challenges facing the Atlantic will require world-class research, international collaboration, and a shared commitment to turning evidence into action.

 University of Galway is proud to be part of a community helping to shape that the ocean future. Galway has become an internationally recognised centre of ocean research and innovation, and the Atlantic Summit has reinforced our region as a place where knowledge and ambition comes together to make a global impact.”

Dr Deirdre Brophy, Strategic Lead, Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Atlantic Technological University, said:

"Europe's ocean ambitions will only be realised if we invest in people. The Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement rightly recognises that skills, leadership, and talent are among our most important ocean resources. Delivering a sustainable and competitive blue economy will require graduates who can work collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries to address complex challenges. To drive change, they will need to develop skills in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and be strongly connected to policy and to communities. We must empower the next generation to secure a sustainable future for our ocean by providing clearly defined and attractive career pathways and by investing in world-class marine education and training programmes.

 The Atlantic Summit has established an important international partnership. Through our continued co-operation we will create opportunity and deliver impact across the Atlantic region." 

 From Galway to Europe and the Atlantic

 The message from Galway is clear: the ocean is not separate from Europe's future. It is central to it. By investing in ocean knowledge, strengthening Atlantic partnerships, and empowering future leaders, Europe can build a sustainable, secure, and competitive ocean future. The Atlantic has always connected us. Through the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement, participants have committed to helping shape its future together.

 ENDS