The 3rd Sub-regional Meeting on Environmental Assessments in a Transboundary Context in the Mediterranean was held in Athens, Greece, bringing together key regional and international actors to advance cooperation on transboundary environmental assessments.
Jointly organised by UNECE (as Secretariat to the Espoo Convention and its Protocol) and UNEP/MAP, with the support of PAP/RAC, the meeting followed previous sessions in Rome (2024) and Portorož (2025). It focused on exchanging recent experiences, discussing the implications of the BBNJ Agreement, exploring financing opportunities, and shaping future regional cooperation, including the Convention’s 2027–2029 work programme.
A key highlight was the presentation by PAP/RAC of the draft Guidelines for Environmental Assessment in a Transboundary Context in the Mediterranean. Designed as a non-binding tool, the Guidelines aim to support the practical implementation of transboundary assessments, particularly in countries not party to the Espoo Convention.
The draft was well received, with participants commending its quality and offering targeted suggestions for improvement. It will now be further refined and submitted for formal consultation with UNEP/MAP Contracting Parties on 27 October 2026.
Transboundary environmental assessments play a crucial role in preventing cross-border environmental impacts, strengthening cooperation, and ensuring that affected countries are informed and consulted. Their implementation is guided by key frameworks, including the Espoo Convention, the Kyiv Protocol on SEA, and the Barcelona Convention, along with its relevant Protocols such as ICZM.
