What is EuroGeoSurveys (EGS)?

Updated

EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) is a not-for-profit organisation that represents the Geological Surveys of Europe. It bridges geoscience and policy by combining the expertise of its member organisations with open-access, harmonised geological maps, data, and data infrastructure. Its outputs are aimed at European Institutions, regulators, industry, and the public, providing pan-European geoscience data and advice to guide policy and address societal challenges.

Who EGS represents

EGS is built on a network of national geological survey organisations from across Europe. According to the organisation, this network includes:

  • 37 member organisations
  • 500+ experts
  • 10,000+ workforce

Because the members are the national geological surveys themselves, EGS is positioned as a body that can speak for European geoscience as a whole rather than for a single country or institution. The organisation states that only the combined Geological Surveys of Europe have the data, expertise, and collaborative network needed to deliver harmonised pan-European geoscience.

What EGS does

EGS works through two main mechanisms: collaborative research and the provision of geological data.

Expert Groups and Task Forces

Hundreds of experts from the European Geological Surveys participate in EGS Expert Groups. These groups carry out research that directly addresses societal challenges and supports sustainable development. The Expert Groups listed on the EGS site include:

  • GhEG
  • EOEG
  • GEG
  • ICDTF
  • GMMEG
  • SIEG
  • WREG
  • UGEG
  • MREG
  • MGEG
  • GEEG
  • GpEG

Open-access data and infrastructure

EGS provides open-access, harmonised geological maps, data, and data infrastructure. This means the information is intended to be comparable and usable across national borders, which matters for EU-level decision-making on social, environmental, and economic issues.

Who uses EGS information

EGS describes its audience as:

  • European Institutions – for policy guidance
  • Regulators – for balanced, practical geoscience advice
  • Industry – for pan-European geological data
  • The public – through open-access maps and data

The stated purpose is to guide policy and address key societal challenges, with a focus on geoscience for a sustainable future.

How EGS connects to current topics

The organisation's news and events show the range of issues it engages with. Recent examples include:

  • A GeoEnergy Expert Group contribution to international geothermal dialogue in China
  • A call for harmonised and interoperable geological knowledge of Europe's marine environment
  • A response to an EU consultation on the future European Critical Raw Materials Centre

Upcoming events listed on the site include a workshop titled "Towards a 3D Geomodel of Europe," the 7th EAGE GET – Global Energy Transition Conference, the European Civil Protection Forum 2026, and STEP by Pollutec.

When EGS is relevant to you

EGS is a useful starting point if you need:

  • Pan-European geological data or harmonised maps
  • Insight into how European geoscience informs policy
  • Contact with the network of national geological surveys
  • Information on expert-group research areas such as geoenergy, marine geology, or critical raw materials

If your interest is limited to a single country's geology, the relevant national geological survey may be more direct. EGS is most relevant when the question crosses borders or needs an EU-level perspective.