Programmes of measures under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive to achieve or maintain good environmental status : review and analysis of EU Member States 2022 measures reports (Article 13)

This report provides an analysis of the information reported electronically on the second Programmes of Measures (PoMs) under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) (Article 13) of 17 EU Member States (MS) (BE, CY, DE, EE, ES, FI, FR, IE, IT, LT, LV, NL, PL, PT, RO, SI and SE). This report does not delve into an analysis of detailed descriptions of the measures but is instead based on an analysis of the pre-defined fields provided in the e-reporting system. The findings and conclusions are therefore limited to the structured data submitted through this standardised reporting framework. In total, 2046 measures were reported by the 17 MS, covering all marine regions, Descriptors and pressures on the marine environment. Although MS have done a remarkable work on addressing the highly complex and diverse nature of marine pressures needed to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES), this analysis shows that the measures reported often lack specificity, especially when used to address multiple Descriptors and pressures on the marine environment. Most importantly, this analysis underscores the critical role of the MSFD as a legislative driver for new measures. However, the absence of measurable metrics to assess progress and outcomes hinders the ability to determine whether the reported measures are effectively contributing to achieving GES. Thorough enhancement of existing reporting guidelines and protocols, clearer terminology, common/precise definitions and agreed measures at EU level can further promote the harmonisation process across MS and the implementation of measures. The findings of this analysis can support technical discussions on measures and further development of future harmonised reporting, also in view of the MSFD review process.