In May 2025, the European Commission took over the role of Lead Co-Chair of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), with the ambition to boost the modernisation of GEO’s governance as an enabling factor to implement its new strategy. This effort included updating GEO’s Executive Committee, Plenary, and Programme Board functioning, and revising the GEO Rules of Procedure.

Over the past year, GEO has made significant progress in its transition to Earth Intelligence. The European Commission’s leadership has been pivotal, supported by extensive contributions from across Europe.

In 2025, the European Commission increased its support to GEO’s Secretariat Trust Fund, funding a regional GEO liaison officer and contributing to GEOGLAM, a flagship initiative focusing on agricultural monitoring. Through the European Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation, the EU has invested over €650 million in more than 100 Earth Observation (EO) projects. A €15 million call in 2025 and a €12 million call in 2026 further supported Earth Intelligence solutions, attracting strong interest from the EO community.

The EuroGEO community plays a vital role in Europe’s engagement with GEO. With the completion of the EuroGEOSec project in November 2025, EuroGEO developed a roadmap for its long-term sustainability. National GEO offices, such as those in the Netherlands and Ukraine, have enhanced Europe’s visibility in GEO, alongside the EU’s Copernicus programme.

In October 2025, the Netherlands National GEO office hosted the EuroGEO workshop in The Hague, gathering over 310 participants for 38 sessions, 105 presentations, and 60 posters. The event focused on accelerating Earth Intelligence delivery.

The European Commission collaborates with the European Environment Agency (EEA) and supports initiatives like the GEO In Situ Data Strategy. This includes projects that enhance access to Earth observation data for climate change adaptation.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) combines satellite data, in-situ networks, and artificial intelligence to deliver actionable insights for policymakers. It contributes to GEO flagships and initiatives like GEOGLAM or The Human Planet and supports global agricultural monitoring frameworks.

The Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, declared that "To tackle today’s challenges, we need access to reliable and relevant information. By supporting the Group on Earth Observation, we turn data into practical tools that help countries anticipate risks, respond to disasters and plan ahead and make them more accessible to those who need it the most. Through Global Gateway, we reinforce these efforts, investing in trusted partnerships that strengthen local capacity and drive innovation. For example, with initiatives like the Africa-EU Space Partnership and our Copernicus hubs in Panama, Chile and the Philippines."

The European Commission’s efforts are driving GEO’s vision of “Earth Intelligence for All”, helping countries achieve development goals while promoting the use of Copernicus for a sustainable and resilient future.