PAP/RAC took part in the 30th Meeting of the Member States Expert Group on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSEG), held in Brussels on 16–17 March 2026, contributing to discussions on the upcoming Ocean Act and the future of MSP in Europe. Among the topics discussed, particular attention was given to the role of regional cooperation as a prerequisite for effective MSP implementation. Member States underlined the need to further strengthen collaboration at sea-basin level, building on existing, flexible coordination mechanisms rather than introducing new regulatory structures.
The meeting also marked an important step in strengthening links between MSP and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, as it was the first time that the respective expert groups met in a joint session. Discussions pointed to the need for closer alignment in practice, including better coherence of objectives, improved data sharing and monitoring, and more coordinated planning cycles, while maintaining the distinct roles of each framework.
In this context, PAP/RAC emphasised that the Mediterranean already provides a structured and operational framework through the UNEP/MAP system. This regional set-up offers a concrete basis for coordinated MSP implementation across EU and non-EU countries, supporting coherence, dialogue and the practical alignment of planning processes, anchored in the ecosystem approach.
PAP/RAC will continue to advance a coordinated regional MSP approach, in line with the work of the MSP Working Group, supporting practical implementation and coherence across the Mediterranean.
