European Open Science Cloud

02INTRODUCTION

The European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) aims to give Europe a global lead in scientific data infrastructures, to ensure that European scientists can draw the full benefits of data-driven science. The initative intends to develop a trusted, open environment for the scientific community for storing, sharing and re-using scientific data and results. 

In its Communication "European Cloud Initiative - Building a competitive data and knowledge economy in Europe" the European Commission described its plans to establish an European Open Science Cloud. The Communication was followed by Council Conclusions of 27 May 2016 on “The transition towards an Open Science system”. In this document the Council calles on the Commission, the Member States and the stakeholders to take the necessary actions needed for making open science a reality and to advocate the need for concerted actions in relevant national, EU, multilateral and international fora. In 2017 scientific stakeholders signed the EOSC Declaration and endorsed its principles. In March 2018 the European Commission adopted the Implementation Roadmap for the EOSC. The Council adopted conclusions with the purpose of providing guidance on the implementation of the European Open Science Cloud on 29 May 2018.

On 23 November 2018 European Open Science Cloud was launched at an event during the Austrian Council Presidency. The Cloud will provide a safe environment for researchers to store, analyse and re-use data for research, innovation and educational purposes. EU ministers in charge of research and science adopted the Vienna declaration endorsing the governance structure of the Cloud and confirming their willingness to continue working together towards realising its full potential.