Greece and France are moving forward with the joint development of advanced digital systems for the marine environment following the signing of the relevant contract in the presence of Macron and Mitsotakis.
The agreement provides for the establishment of the intergovernmental organisation “Mercator”, which is the evolution of “Mercator Ocean International” and will operate as an intergovernmental organisation for the development of advanced digital systems for the oceans and the marine environment. It aims to provide data, analysis and forecasts on the marine environment, climate and shipping, enhancing sustainable management of marine resources.
The agreement was signed earlier today by the Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou in the presence of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, as well as the Director General of Mercator Ocean International, Pierre Bahurel, who welcomed Greece to the Organization.
The central pillar of the organisation is the Digital Twin of the Ocean, a dynamic digital representation of the oceans updated in real time. This will enable the prediction and analysis of critical phenomena such as climate change, marine pollution and changes in marine ecosystems.
Thus, Greece joins the first founding member states of the Organization, after France and Norway, confirming its strategic role in the field of digital technology and the marine economy. The formal establishment of Mercator is expected to be completedin 2026, following the ratification of the convention by at least eight European states.
