Ocean governance is a complex process that involves many stakeholders within, across and beyond states. It currently stands high on the political and public policy agendas of European states and the EU due to the importance of the sea from both an economic and security perspective. This article aims to present the current state of European ocean governance, discussing the current trends and proposing some recommendations as to how best to tackle the challenges. It suggests that the future of European ocean governance rests on the actors’ ability to endorse a holistic approach that combines all aspects of sustainable development and security.