The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of soil conservation and sediment control in Europe from the perspectives of policy makers seeking solutions to current problems of soil loss and flooding. Data and information are derived from detailed reports written in support of the European Soils Directive, that addressed the threats facing European soils and from workshops organised to identify best practices and achieve sustainable land use in different EU countries. These were organised by the SCAPE (Strategies for Soil Conservation and Protection in Europe) supporting action. Regarding technical measures used to limit erosion and restore ecosystems, there is much similarity between Europe and China. The main soil and land degradation problems that soil conservation practitioners and scientists have to address are caused by land use and management impacts that have proved difficult or impossible to resist because of political conditions. The political leadership that regarded soil conservation and sediment control, as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development, which seemed to be present eight years, is urgently required once more.