The overall health of EU seas is declining at alarming rates. Yet, a healthy ocean, with abundant marine biodiversity is needed to support the livelihoods of coastal communities which depend on it and to ensure that the ocean continues to act as a carbon sink in the context of climate change. Against this background, MPAs have long been identified as a key tool to support ocean conservation and restoration. This policy report assesses the EU’s progress towards protecting 30 per cent of its waters by 2030 and provides recommendations to EU stakeholders.