The European Commission has launched a public consultation and Call for Evidence on the upcoming revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) — the EU’s main framework for protecting the marine environment. This initiative, announced on 16 December 2025, invites stakeholders and the public to share views and expertise on how to strengthen marine protection, streamline implementation, and reduce administrative burden.
The MSFD, in force since 2008, was designed to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) for all EU marine waters, meaning seas that are clean, healthy and productive. An evaluation published earlier in 2025 confirmed that the Directive has established a comprehensive system for monitoring and protecting marine ecosystems and has improved cooperation, data collection, and understanding of EU seas. However, it also found that the overarching objective of achieving GES has not yet been fully met, with biodiversity continuing to decline and pollution still impacting marine life.
The consultation seeks input on how to improve the effectiveness of the Directive, simplify its implementation, and enhance data management. It is closely linked to broader policy developments including the Water Resilience Strategy and the European Ocean Pact, reflecting the importance of integrated approaches to marine protection within sustainable ocean governance.
The consultation is open on the European Commission’s “Have Your Say” portal until 9 March 2026, providing an opportunity for governments, NGOs, researchers, industry, and citizens to contribute to the future direction of EU marine protection rules.