Updated

A European Court of Auditors report published on October 26, 2026 found the European Union is highly unlikely to meet its goal of protecting 30% of its land and sea by 2030, the 30x30 initiative, and that its marine protected areas are falling short. Mongabay reported the findings on November 11, 2026. The auditors said the EU has not built a marine protected area network that effectively protects the marine environment, and that many sites are "paper parks" lacking strong rules, management or enforcement. Apparent fishing activity in Natura 2000 sites, the EU's largest type of marine protected area, was 72% higher than in other European waters between 2020 and 2024, with about 85% of that effort involving the most destructive bottom-contact gear such as bottom trawls. The audit found sites face staffing and funding problems, the EU lacks a standard way to assess effectiveness, and many Mediterranean and Atlantic sites are isolated "ecological islands." According to the audit, 13.7% of EU waters are designated as marine protected areas, and less than 1% are strictly protected. ClientEarth's John Condon said the report bolsters criticism of the paper parks problem, and a researcher, Joachim Claudet of France's CNRS, said bottom trawling must be eliminated for an MPA to be effective. Mongabay reported that the EU's own 2030 strategy sets a target of legally protecting 30% of land and sea, with one-third strictly protected.