With the Research Topic “Origin, Conservation, and Restoration of the Threatened European Grassland Ecosystem in the Anthropocene”, we set the stage for a journey through the nuanced landscapes of European grasslands, offering an overview of recent scientific endeavors and a call to action for the preservation and restoration of these unique ecosystems, as well as the integration of urban and novel grassland ecosystems in a global conservation strategy. The findings of the 14 studies presented in this Research Topic underline the importance of recognizing the heterogeneity within European grasslands. Whether it is the biodiversity-rich semi-natural grasslands, spawning mediterranean and temperate dry grasslands, floodplain and hay meadows, montane grasslands, loess and sand steppe fragments of the Pannonian forest steppe region, the intricate dynamics of urban green spaces or the emergent novel ecosystems such as green roofs or solar parks, those ecosystems present both similar and own sets of challenges and opportunities for conservation, management and restoration. Preservation of large fragments, targeted management, and innovative restoration techniques offer pathways towards safe guarding the ecological integrity of natural and semi-natural grasslands.