In a written answer on 17 July 2026, Environment Commissioner Ms Roswall outlined the EU's existing legal and funding framework for mapping and protecting coral reefs in Member States' exclusive economic zones (EEZs), stopping short of proposing new binding measures. The response, to a question from ECR MEP Emmanouil Fragkos, emphasises that Member States are already required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive to monitor and protect reef habitats, and that the 2024 Nature Restoration Regulation introduces binding mapping and restoration targets for marine habitats. Member States must submit draft national restoration plans by 1 September 2026.
The Commission highlighted several tools to support Member States, including the Copernicus Marine Service for ocean observations, EMODnet for in-situ data on coralligenous structures, and the future Digital Twin of the Ocean for simulating reef ecosystems. The new OceanEye initiative, launched in a June 2026 communication, aims to strengthen ocean observation capacities and cooperation. On fisheries, the EU has exclusive competence for conservation under the Common Fisheries Policy, but Member States implement the measures. The Commission is also preparing a revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive to progress towards good environmental status of EU seas.
While the answer reaffirms existing commitments and points to ongoing processes, it does not announce new binding EU-level measures specifically for reef protection in EEZs, leaving the onus on Member States to use available tools and meet upcoming restoration plan deadlines. The response signals a continued reliance on existing directives and funding programmes rather than a new regulatory push.