Europe Moves to Secure Scientific Data Independence

• European governments are taking steps to reduce their reliance on US scientific data, establishing new systems for climate and weather monitoring.

European nations are actively working to lessen their historical reliance on critical scientific data traditionally provided for free by the United States. In a move that has not been widely reported before, countries across the continent are accelerating the development of their own data collection and monitoring systems. This initiative is a direct response to budget cuts and program dismantling under the U.S. government, particularly in areas concerning climate change and weather extremes. The effort reflects a growing concern among European officials that a continued pullback from U.S.-supported research could jeopardize their ability to plan for future extreme weather events and long-term infrastructure needs.

The Impact of U.S. Budget Cuts

The recent U.S. administration has implemented significant budget reductions for key scientific agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These cuts have impacted numerous programs focused on climate, weather, and geospatial research. As a result, some public databases have been taken offline, causing increasing alarm among European officials. Their concern is rooted in the understanding that reliable data is foundational for creating accurate weather warnings, climate projections, and ultimately for protecting communities and saving lives.

The Danish Meteorological Institute, for instance, has described U.S. government data as “absolutely vital,” highlighting its dependence on various datasets for measuring Arctic sea ice and sea surface temperatures. Officials from eight European countries have confirmed that their governments are reviewing their dependency on U.S. data. In response, seven of these nations—Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden—are already engaged in joint efforts to safeguard essential climate and health research programs. The proactive measures aim to mitigate potential gaps in data availability and ensure the continuity of critical research.

Strengthening European Data Networks

As a top priority, the European Union is expanding its access to ocean observation data, which is essential for industries like shipping and energy, as well as for early storm warning systems. Over the next two years, the EU plans to enhance its own European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). This network collects and manages data on various marine concerns, including shipping routes and marine habitats. The initiative’s goal is to potentially mirror or even replace services currently provided by the U.S.

The EU is also considering an increase in its funding for the Argo program, a part of the Global Ocean Observing System. This program operates a global network of floats that monitor the world’s oceans to track global warming and sea-level rise. The U.S. has historically funded 57% of Argo’s annual operating expenses, while the EU contributes 23%. This potential increase in funding for Argo and the expansion of EMODnet signify a significant shift from decades of U.S. leadership in ocean science, with Europe stepping up to take on a larger, more independent role.

“Guerrilla Archiving” and Staffing Reductions

The cuts to U.S. scientific agencies have not only spurred European governments to action but have also led to an unusual response from the scientific community. Since the administration took power, scientists and citizens worldwide have been engaging in “guerrilla archiving,” downloading U.S. databases related to climate and public health that are slated for decommissioning. This grassroots effort aims to preserve invaluable public data before it is lost. Some German research institutions, for example, have received “emergency calls” from U.S. colleagues urging them to save datasets that might otherwise be abandoned.

Alongside these data concerns, the NOAA workforce has faced significant reductions. The White House’s proposed budget for 2026 seeks to shrink the agency’s budget by 27% and reduce its staffing by nearly 20%. This plan would eliminate NOAA’s main research arm, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, which is responsible for critical systems like Argo. These staff and budget cuts, combined with the decommissioning of numerous datasets, underscore the urgent need for a more resilient and independent European scientific infrastructure.