International Consultation Forums

This is how the North Sea Ministerial Conferences gave political direction to the international North Sea policy. OSPAR and the IMO in particular give concrete meaning to the agreements made. The North Sea is getting plenty of attention in Europe as well. After years of consultation, the European Commission adopted the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Its implementation is currently being elaborated.

The Netherlands is active in the following international forums:

Espoo Treaty

When a country that is a party to this treaty has plans with potential transboundary effects, this country must involve the public and authorities of a neighboring country in the environmental impact assessment procedure in the same way as its own population. This means that countries affiliated to this treaty must be informed before the implementation of these plans and, where desirable, all parties (including citizens) from these countries may comment. Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta.

Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta

Greater North Sea Basin Initiative (GNSBI)

The Greater North Sea Basin Initiative (GNSBI) was established at the end of 2023 and concerns a collaboration between the nine North Sea countries. The initiative focuses on strengthened international and cross-sector cooperation in the North Sea in the areas of maritime spatial planning, fisheries, energy and nature. The aim is to work together to ensure good and responsible use of the North Sea. The nine North Sea countries involved are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom and Sweden. The European Commission functions as a strategic partner of the initiative.

The Dutch government is involved: the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, including Rijkswaterstaat, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

OSPAR

The OSPAR Convention for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR, 1992) entered into force in 1998. It is a combination of the Oslo Convention (1992) against marine pollution from vessels (discharge, dumping) and the Paris Convention (1994) against marine pollution from land-based sources.
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment.

IMO

The International Maritime Organisation is the specialised UN organisation which establishes international treaties for sea shipping. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is concerned with the relationship between shipping and the environment (the establishment of treaties such as MARPOL and AFS and ballast water).
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport.

London Convention

The London Convention (1972) regulates the dumping of waste at sea with the aim of preventing pollution of the marine environment. The Additional Protocol of 1996 has been in force since 24 March 2006.
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta.

Bonn Agreement

This international agreement between the North Sea States and the EU aims for:
cooperation and mutual assistance in addressing pollution and conducting surveillance to identify and combat pollution and to prevent any violations (prevention). Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta.

ICES

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea is a marine partnership between nineteen countries around the North Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas. Purpose: exchanging scientific information and advising governments and EU committees, HELCOM and OSPAR.
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat Water Service.

SEANET/NOOS

This partly EU funded network exchanges hydrographic information on Northwest European level. Purpose: coordinating measurement systems, models and strategies (buoys/satellites).
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta.

CEDA

European (network) meetings on dredging and maintenance work (tenders, maintenance work, dredging strategies).
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta and Rijkswaterstaat Infrastructure.

IALA

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities is based in Paris. Here, agreements are made on the standardisation of waterway marking. Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport and Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta.

PIANC

International Navigation Association. Network organisation for the exchange of knowledge on waterway maintenance and dredging.
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta and Rijkswaterstaat Infrastructure.

MCMP

(EU) Management Committee for Marine Pollution.
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta.

EMSA

The European Maritime Safety Administration promotes safety by coordinating and making agreements on increasing the oil control capacity in Europe.
Involvement: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat Sea and Delta.