This document is an excerpt from the EUR-Lex website
Document 32008L0056
Strategy for the marine environment
Directive 2008/56/EC — EU action in the field of marine environmental policy
The marine strategy framework directive (MSFD) sets out a common European Union (EU) approach and objectives for the prevention, protection and conservation of the marine environment in view of the pressures and impacts of damaging human activities, while allowing for its sustainable use, by means of an ecosystem-based approach.
The MSFD requires EU Member States to do the following.
The directive also does the following.
Review
A review of the MSFD must take place by 2023, following an evaluation and an impact assessment. Amendments may then be proposed, where appropriate.
Amendments to the MSFD
Directive (EU) 2017/845 amends the MSFD, replacing its Annex III concerning the indicative lists of elements to be taken into account for the preparation of marine strategies. The purpose of the amendment is to better link ecosystem components, anthropogenic pressures* and impacts on the marine environment with the MSFD’s 11 descriptors and with Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 on the GES of marine waters (mentioned above).
How the MSFD relates to other EU legislation
The MSFD builds on existing EU legislation and covers specific elements of the marine environment not addressed in other policies, such as the water framework directive (Directive 2000/60/EC — see summary), the habitats directive (Directive 92/43/EEC — see summary), the birds directive (Directive 2009/147/EC — see summary) and, lastly, Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 on the common fisheries policy (see summary), one of the legal objectives of which is to contribute to achieve GES under the MSFD.
It has applied since 15 July 2008 and it had to become law in the Member States by 15 July 2010.
For further information, see:
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, pp. 19–40).
Successive amendments to Directive 2008/56/EC have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC) (COM(2020) 259 final, 25.6.2020).
Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council assessing Member States’ programmes of measures under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (COM(2018) 562 final, 31.7.2018).
Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 of 17 May 2017 laying down criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status of marine waters and specifications and standardised methods for monitoring and assessment, and repealing Decision 2010/477/EU (OJ L 125, 18.5.2017, pp. 43–74).
Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council assessing Member States’ monitoring programmes under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (COM(2017) 3 final, 16.1.2017).
Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans (JOIN(2016) 49 final, 10.11.2016).
Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress in establishing marine protected areas (as required by Article 21 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC) (COM(2015) 481 final, 1.10.2015).
Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, pp. 135–145).
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Innovation in the blue economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth (COM(2014) 254 final/2, 13.5.2014).
Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: The first phase of implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) — The European Commission’s assessment and guidance (COM(2014) 97 final, 20.2.2014).
Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 2004/585/EC (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, pp. 22–61).
See consolidated version.
last update 27.10.2021