CrossGov has released its latest policy brief, “Coherence in Policy Landscapes and Design,” which explores ways to improve the alignment of EU policies to support the European Green Deal’s ambitious goals. With European seas increasingly strained by competing maritime activities, the brief emphasizes the need for better coordination among key directives, including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), Water Framework Directive (WFD), and Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD).

The policy brief identifies critical areas where EU legislation can be strengthened to protect marine biodiversity, reduce pollution, and support climate resilience. Key recommendations include stepping up enforcement of the MSFD, fostering cross-compliance among policies, and adopting a result-based approach to tackling agricultural pollution. These steps, as outlined in the brief, are essential for achieving the Green Deal’s targets for 2030 and 2050.

By enhancing policy coherence and promoting sustainable practices, the CrossGov project aims to ensure that Europe’s marine ecosystems can thrive amid the challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and increased pollution.

For more details, read the full policy brief here.