Europe’s marine protection community gathered in Brussels on 4 March for the 6th EU Blue Parks Community Workshop, held as part of European Ocean Days. Under the title ‘Open dialogue: Next steps for the European Blue Parks Initiative’, the event brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from public authorities, research organisations, policy, industry and NGOs, creating a dynamic space for exchange and collaboration.

Through presentations and lively discussions, the workshop reviewed progress towards Europe’s marine protection and restoration targets and showcased good practices. Participants explored ways to accelerate action during the Mission Ocean and Waters deployment phase and beyond 2030. They also identified priorities and support needs for the next stage of the EU Blue Parks Initiative, helping to shape the sustainable future of Europe’s seas.

Representatives from public authorities in France, Estonia, Romania, the Netherlands and Spain offered insights into where implementation currently stands in their countries. Experts from academia and civil society in Greece, France and Ireland contributed perspectives on financing, advocacy for action, and spatial planning and zoning for enabling more effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Key take-aways

• Regional cooperation is important in establishing and managing coherent networks of MPAs, particularly in transboundary marine environments. Effective marine conservation requires coordinated management approaches that support ecological connectivity between MPAs. Fisheries also featured prominently in the discussions; fishing communities often support high levels of protection when properly engaged, understanding the long-term benefits for fish stocks and livelihoods. The importance of complementary tools, including Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), was raised as an underexplored dimension at EU level.
• The 30/30 marine protection target is achievable, provided there is strong political will. Yet spatial targets alone are not sufficient; effective management, pressure reduction and genuine governance are equally essential to avoid creating 'paper parks'. Capacity building, standardised effectiveness monitoring, innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships emerged as critical enablers.
• Europe already possesses significant scientific knowledge, tools, and best practices to achieve its marine protection goals. The primary challenge now lies in translating this knowledge into concrete policy and management actions. The EU Blue Parks Community was reaffirmed as a key bridge between evidence and implementation, building a repository of best practices, a forum for peer learning and a platform to champion success stories that can attract sustained investment.