By protecting approximately 300,000 square kilometres of its sea, the Azores created the largest European marine protected area to date.

Omissions

• The exact area designated is 287,000 km², not precisely 300,000 km² — though many reputable sources describe this as 'almost 300,000', making the approximation reasonable.
• The MPA is formally described as the largest in the North Atlantic; the claim's characterisation as 'largest European' is supported by multiple sources (e.g. EU Maritime Affairs, Oceanographic Magazine) but the primary designation is 'largest in the North Atlantic'.
• The legislation was approved in October 2024 but only took effect on 1 January 2026, after a transitional period. The MEP spoke in May 2026, when the MPA was already in force.

Sources

• SecondaryReutersThe network will encompass almost 300,000 square kilometres (115,830 square miles) and ensures the preservation of underwater mountain ranges and vulnerable marine ecosystems. The regional assembly of the Azores approved the creation of the largest marine protected area in the North Atlantic.
• SecondaryOceanographic MagazineAn area covering almost 300,000 square kilometres, the newly designated Marine Protected Area is now the largest in the North Atlantic network. The Azores has created the largest marine protected area in Europe.
• SecondaryWaitt Institute / National Geographic SocietyThe Autonomous Region of the Azores has passed groundbreaking legislation designating the largest marine protected area network in the North Atlantic. The new MPA network covers 287,000 square kilometers — 30% of the Azorean Sea.