Context 

On 3 October 2019, DG MARE and CINEA, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (ex-EASME), convened a workshop on ‘Data for MSP’ to exchange knowledge and experience between MSP data practitioners from MSP projects funded by the European Commission (EMFF programme). The main outcomes of this workshop were recorded in the document "Initial Workshop identifying the need for a TEG on Data for MSP".

On 23 April 2020 DG MARE and CINEA (ex-EASME) organised a workshop to formalise the establishment of the Technical Expert Group (hereafter TEG) on data for MSP.

TEG Terms of reference and scoping documents

Terms of Reference for the Technical Working Group on Data for MSP (Version of 25.02.2020)

Technical Expert Group Kick-off meeting

Initial Workshop identifying the need for a TEG on Data for MSP

TEG Activities

The TEG aims to achieve several objectives: 

• Promote cross-border data exchange: facilitate the availability and sharing of data and information on MS between EU Member States.
• Ensure coherence with environmental data: support access to data on the state of the marine environment in relation to maritime spatial plans
• Prevent overlaps and redundant work by coordinating activities across different projects and regions.
• Develop common standards: establish standards for sharing maritime spatial plans and finalize a unified MSP data framework

Find out more about the TEG harmonisation and coordination work to support MSP implementation

As the TEG is a technical group focused on delivering concrete outputs rather than policy, its core developments is carried out through six current working subgroups:

DTO – Digital Twins of the Ocean for MSP 

 

This subgroup explores how Digital Twins of the Ocean can enhance MSP by improving data availability, enabling real-time simulations and “what-if” scenarios, and proposing innovative functionalities that address current MSP gaps. Its objective is to review existing DTO initiatives, perform a gap analysis, and provide recommendations and strategic guidance to support the development of DTOs effectively tailored to MSP processes. During the MSP Data week in Helsinki, this subgroup already delivered a workshop. 

Data spaces

 

The idea of sub-group and TEG is to properly understand and deliver the concept of MSP Data space - interoperable, trusted environment where MSP implementers and stakeholders organisations can share, access, and reuse data and tools/modules according to common rules, standards, and data governance models. 

Read more

Improving the Visualization of the EMODnet MSP Layer-SLD Panel 

 

This subgroup develops improved Styled Layer Descriptors and harmonized Sea Use Name/Function classifications to enhance clarity, usability, and the visual interpretation of MSP zoning data. Its objective is to assess stakeholder needs, test visualization approaches, and deliver a revised visualization proposal through expert workshops.The sub-group already delivered workshop and one more is planned to be in the beginning of 2026

eHILUCS Panel – Management of the Extended HILUCS Register 

This subgroup acts as the governance body for the extended HILUCS (eHILUCS) code list, ensuring its conceptual maintenance, updates, and alignment with INSPIRE, EMODnet, and MSP needs. Its objective is to establish procedures for extending the register, review current usage in the EU MSP data layer, and maintain eHILUCS as a coherent and adaptive classification system of marine and coastal uses. 

Socioeconomic Assessment in MSP

 

This subgroup advances the integration of socioeconomic and governance dimensions into MSP by combining quantitative and qualitative methods and creating a community of practice. Its objective is to leverage ongoing MSP projects, develop practical tools and proof-of-concept applications, and produce recommendations for socioeconomic integration in planning processes.

MSP & MSFD Data Management

 

This subgroup examines the relationships, data flows, and synergies between MSP and MSFD to improve alignment, data exchange, and the systematic use of MSFD information within MSP processes. Its objective is to deepen the analysis across Member States, engage MSFD expert groups (JRC, WG DIKE, TG Data), and develop common pathways and guidelines for integrating MSFD data, indicators, and measures into MSP workflows.