Europe’s subsurface is under growing pressure as demands increase for renewable energy storage, critical raw materials, groundwater protection, and CO₂ storage. In our new position paper, we highlight the need for integrated subsurface spatial planning to support Europe’s long term resilience and strategic autonomy.
Drawing on examples and expertise from national geological survey organisations across Europe, the paper underlines the importance of stronger policy coordination, scientific knowledge, trusted advice, and accessible geoscientific information to help shape the future use of Europe’s underground space. It also reinforces the role of a future Geological Service for Europe, building on the existing European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI) and decades of investment by geological surveys and partners through national programmes, GeoERA, and GSEU projects, among others, to deliver the knowledge and services needed for coherent implementation of European subsurface policies.
By strengthening cooperation between geological surveys across Europe, EuroGeoSurveys aims to ensure that the subsurface becomes a strategic enabler for the green transition, resource security, and climate resilience.