The presence of microplastics in the marine environment is considered a significant problem due to a potential impact. However, the nature and extent of the impact cannot yet be demonstrated. Therefore, it is not yet possible to assess the amount of microplastics in the marine environment. At the European level, considerable effort has been made in recent years to develop reliable sampling and analysis methods that map the presence of microplastics. Despite numerous complications surrounding the analysis of microplastics, important steps have been taken. The updated EU TGML guidelines were published in 2023. The OSPAR CEMP guidelines and the OSPAR common indicator for microlitter in marine sediment were adopted in 2024. After a preparatory period of several years, the Netherlands recently began monitoring microplastics in sediment. The methodology was developed in 2023 and aligned with the TGML guidelines and OSPAR CEMP guidelines. Starting in 2025, validated monitoring data for microplastic particles in the North Sea coastal zone and offshore will be available. Data on microplastics (1-5mm) on the beach has been available for some time: since 2021, these have been included in the beach litter monitoring network.