European Commission Launches Public Consultation on Marine Protection Rules

The European Commission has launched a public consultation and Call for Evidence on the upcoming revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), following an evaluation published earlier this year. According to the Commission, the consultation aims to gather views and expertise from stakeholders and the wider public to support the update of the EU’s main framework for protecting the marine environment.

The Commission explains that the revision is intended to strengthen protection of Europe’s seas, simplify implementation, and reduce administrative burden. Its evaluation found that while the MSFD established an ambitious framework to address pollution and unsustainable practices, it has not yet fully achieved its objective of “good environmental status,” and improvements are needed, including more streamlined requirements and better use of data. The Directive also plays a pivotal role in the European Ocean Pact, due to its importance for ocean preservation and sustainable management. Together with maritime and fisheries legislation, it contributes directly to the development of a sustainable blue economy.

The public consultation and Call for Evidence are open on the Commission’s Have Your Say portal. Stakeholders can submit feedback until 9 March 2026, after which the Commission will use the input to inform future proposals on marine protection rules.

For more information visit the official webpage: Commission launches consultation on marine protection rules - Environment