The 2nd meeting of the Atlantic Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Community of Practice (CoP) took place online on 26 March 2026, under the Spanish Presidency, with the support of the Atlantic Assistance Mechanism.
Building on the work initiated during the Irish Presidency, this second meeting marked an important step forward in the formalisation and consolidation of the Atlantic MSP CoP, while providing a platform for technical exchange on national MSP developments in Spain and France.
Progress towards formalisation of the Atlantic MSP CoP
A key focus of the meeting was the presentation and discussion of the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Atlantic MSP CoP. The Atlantic Assistance Mechanism presented the state of play of the document, explaining its evolution from the initial 2025 concept to a more consolidated structure. The ToR is being developed following the model of the Mediterranean MSP Community of Practice, while remaining fully tailored to the Atlantic context.
Discussions confirmed that the Atlantic MSP CoP is conceived as a technical, practitioner‑oriented platform, bringing together nominated experts from public authorities, and clearly distinct from the Atlantic Steering Committee. Participants highlighted the importance of flexibility, clear governance arrangements, and strong links with existing MSP support mechanisms and EU‑funded projects. The Presidency confirmed that the revised draft ToR will be shared with CoP members for feedback, before submission for approval at the Atlantic Steering Committee.
National updates on Maritime Spatial Planning
The meeting included in‑depth national updates on MSP implementation.
Spain presented the implementation and review status of its maritime spatial plans, outlining the legal framework, coordination with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and the structure of the five maritime plans combining common elements with region‑specific components. Progress since the approval of the first plans in 2023 was highlighted, including extensive stakeholder engagement. Spain confirmed that work is ongoing on the second cycle of MSP plans, with public consultation expected in 2026 and final approval foreseen by the end of 2027.
France provided an overview of its two‑level MSP system, introduced through the National Strategy for the Sea and Coastline adopted in 2024. The presentation highlighted the integration of MSP with environmental objectives, climate considerations and offshore renewable energy planning. Particular attention was given to the South Atlantic maritime façade, where MSP aims to reconcile traditional maritime activities with emerging uses through a shared long‑term territorial vision supported by action plans and monitoring mechanisms.
Added value of the Community of Practice
The discussion confirmed the added value of the Atlantic MSP CoP as a space for practical exchange between Member States, focusing on governance models, stakeholder engagement, cross‑border coordination, future maritime uses and environmental protection. Participants underlined the importance of sharing concrete experiences, particularly between neighbouring countries, and of using the CoP to identify common challenges and opportunities for cooperation. The European Commission welcomed the initiative and encouraged continued dialogue aligned with broader EU MSP and sea‑basin cooperation efforts.
Next steps
The next meeting of the Atlantic MSP CoP is planned for 2nd June 2026, back‑to‑back with the European MSP Week in Brussels.