DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" Intensive exchange of information: Development of joint assessment bases and joint assessment at the level of the OSPAR Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Northeast Atlantic. At this level, integrated environmental assessments have repeatedly been carried out to create thematic assessment reports as the basis of the OSPAR Quality Status Report (QSR) 2010. The QSR 2010 and the underlying assessment reports are the basis for the coordination of the national initial assessments at OSPAR level. The QSR provides a comprehensive summary of the environmental status of the Northeast Atlantic and its five sub-regions including the North Sea. In this respect, it is the proof of the coherence of the initial assessments at the level of the North Sea sub-region as well as the North-East Atlantic region. With regard to the national conclusions of the initial assessment, it was agreed to carry out the coordination between the contracting parties concerned at the sub-region level. Another basis was the report on the ecological status of the Wadden Sea 2009 (QSR 2009). QSRs are regularly created by the trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation between Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany (Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, TWSC). OSPAR bodies have developed internal "Advice Documents", among other things for the development of assessment procedures and indicators. The "Advice Documents" for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. In these documents, all available information (national, EU) has been taken into account. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for assessment procedures within the framework of the Intersessional Correspondence Group on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG-COBAM) investigated and coordinated. This includes the development of a common set of regional core indicators. The economic and social analysis of the use of the North Sea waters under German sovereignty is uncharted territory. The necessary coordination with regard to the methodological approaches to be pursued took place across the EU within the framework of the CIS working group ESA. In addition, a pilot study is currently taking place within the framework of OSPAR, which serves the purpose of further coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with the UK and on November 25, 2011 with NL. Bilateral coordination with DK is currently being planned. The results of the initial assessments are comparable. However, the Wadden Sea is not considered by NL. Both UK and NL have more experience of economic and social analysis. A first comparison with DK positions took place within the framework of a multilateral coordination (BE, DE, DK, FR , UK, NL).

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" The OSPAR contracting parties have intensively exchanged information on existing methods for describing good environmental status and coordinated their further development at OSPAR level. OSPAR bodies have internal "Advice Documents" for describing good environmental status and defining Goals and indicators developed. The "Advice Documents" for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. In these documents, all available information (national, EU) has been taken into account. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for good environmental status within the framework of the Intersessional Correspondence Group on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG- COBAM) investigated and coordinated. This includes the development of a common regional set of core indicators. The descriptions of the good environmental status were created at OSPAR level on the basis of an inventory of the national drafts for Articles 9 and 10 with regard to descriptors 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and jointly analyzed with regard to regional coherence. The evaluation ranged from good (D 5, 8, 9, 10) to adequate (D 3, 11) to poor (D 7) coordination. In order to improve regional coordination, a number of improvement measures to be implemented directly or after July 2012 were identified. In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with GB and on November 25, 2011 with NL. A first comparison with DK positions took place within the framework of a multilateral coordination (BE, DE, DK, FR, GB, NL) carried out in The Hague on June 15, 2012 at the invitation of NL. In contrast to DE, UK and NL summarize GES and environmental objectives in one report or chapter, with NL also summarizing descriptors 1, 3, 4 and 6 as the descriptor "Marine Ecosystem".

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" The OSPAR contracting parties have exchanged views on the development of coordinated environmental targets and indicators. The OSPAR bodies have developed internal "Advice Documents" to describe the good status and to define targets and indicators. The "Advice Documents" for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. All available information (national, EU) has been taken into account in these documents. Environmental targets were set at OSPAR level on the basis of an inventory of national drafts for Articles 9 and 10 with regard to descriptors 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 , 10 and 11 and analyzed together with regard to regional coherence. The evaluation ranged from good (D 5, 8, 9, 10) to adequate (D 3, 11) to poor (D 7) coordination. In order to improve regional coordination, a number of improvement measures to be implemented directly or after July 2012 were identified. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for biodiversity targets and indicators within the framework of the Intersessional Correspondence Group were on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG-COBAM) investigates and coordinates. This includes the development of a common set of regional core indicators. Further bases were the work of the trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation between Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany (Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, TWSC). In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with the UK and on November 25th, 2011 with NL. A first comparison with DK positions took place within the framework of a multilateral coordination (BE, DE, DK, FR, UK, NL) carried out on June 15, 2012 in The Hague at the invitation of NL. In contrast to DE, UK and NL GES and environmental goals together in a report or chapter, with NL additionally summarizing the descriptors 1, 3, 4 and 6 as the descriptor "Marine Ecosystem". With regard to the environmental objectives and indicators, DE follows a similar approach to the NL approach mentioned last, but in which descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 are combined in one chapter. Coordination with (member) states in the catchment area without marine waters takes place as far as necessary , via the International Commissions for the Protection of the Elbe (IKSE) and the Rhine (IKSR).

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" Intensive exchange of information: Development of joint assessment bases and joint assessment at the level of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) for the protection of the marine environment in the Baltic Sea area. At this level, integrated environmental assessments have repeatedly been carried out to create thematic assessment reports as the basis for the comprehensive assessment of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM HOLAS, 2010). The HOLAS report and the underlying assessment reports are the basis for the coordination of the national initial assessments at HELCOM level. The HOLAS report 2010 provides an overarching summary of the state of the marine environment in the Baltic Sea area. It is the starting point for the coordination of the initial assessment of the countries bordering the Baltic Sea and covers the four areas of nutrient inputs, hazardous substances, biodiversity and maritime shipping. There is also a chapter on costs and benefits. Based on the HOLAS report for the initial evaluations, the coherence in the area of ​​the regions is ensured. Separate bilateral agreements between the states concerned have taken place on individual sub-regions, so that further harmonization has also taken place in this area. In addition, intensive harmonization efforts are taking place within the framework of the HELCOM projects to develop a core indicator set (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan regarding eutrophication (TARGREV). In this context, HELCOM is currently developing core indicator sets with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. The economic and social analysis of the use of the Baltic Sea waters under German jurisdiction is uncharted territory. The necessary coordination with regard to the methodological approaches to be pursued took place across the EU within the framework of the CIS working group ESA. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and PL is currently being planned. It is known from the HELCOM cooperation that the results of the initial assessments are comparable.

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" At HELCOM there was an intensive exchange about existing methods for describing the good condition as well as the coordination of their further development. As part of the HELCOM projects to develop a core set of indicators (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan with regard to eutrophication (TARGREV), core sets of indicators are being developed with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. These core indicators also contain goals or limits to determine when good environmental status has been achieved. At the time of reporting, the results from TARGREV are still the subject of national and regional discussions. Both projects were accompanied by a Joint Advisory Board (JAB) in which all member states were represented and to ensure that uniform principles are applied throughout the Baltic Sea. JAB also served as a platform for the exchange of national activities for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and has now been replaced by the group for the implementation of the ecosystem approach (GEAR). At the time of reporting, activities at HELCOM are ongoing to inventory the national approaches for the implementation of Articles 8, 9 and 10 MSFD and to assess the state of coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and PL is currently being planned. In addition, details were also agreed in bilateral country meetings.

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" At HELCOM there was an intensive exchange about existing methods for describing the good condition as well as the coordination of their further development. The basis for this is the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), which was adopted in 2007. The Baltic Sea Action Plan deals with all major environmental problems that can affect the marine environment in the Baltic Sea and provides specific goals to counter them. The far-reaching campaigns build on the extensive and long-term cooperation within HELCOM. As part of the HELCOM projects to develop a core set of indicators (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan with regard to eutrophication (TARGREV), core sets of indicators are being developed with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. These core indicator sets also contain goals or limits to determine when good environmental status has been achieved. At the time of reporting, the results from TARGREV are still the subject of national and regional discussions. Both projects were accompanied by a Joint Advisory Board (JAB) in which all member states were represented and to ensure that uniform principles are applied throughout the Baltic Sea. JAB also served as a platform for the exchange of national activities for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and has now been replaced by the group for the implementation of the ecosystem approach (GEAR). At the time of reporting, activities at HELCOM are ongoing to inventory the national approaches for the implementation of Articles 8, 9 and 10 MSFD and to assess the state of coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and POL is currently being planned. In addition, details were also agreed in bilateral country meetings. Coordination with CZ as a member state in the catchment area without marine waters takes place, as far as necessary, via the International Commission for the Protection of the Oder (IKSO).

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" Intensive exchange of information: Development of joint assessment bases and joint assessment at the level of the OSPAR Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Northeast Atlantic. At this level, integrated environmental assessments have repeatedly been carried out to create thematic assessment reports as the basis of the OSPAR Quality Status Report (QSR) 2010. The QSR 2010 and the underlying assessment reports are the basis for the coordination of the national initial assessments at OSPAR level. The QSR provides a comprehensive summary of the environmental status of the Northeast Atlantic and its five sub-regions including the North Sea. In this respect, it is the proof of the coherence of the initial assessments at the level of the North Sea sub-region as well as the North-East Atlantic region. With regard to the national conclusions of the initial assessment, it was agreed to carry out the coordination between the contracting parties concerned at the sub-region level. Another basis was the report on the ecological status of the Wadden Sea 2009 (QSR 2009). QSRs are regularly created by the trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation between Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany (Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, TWSC). OSPAR bodies have developed internal "Advice Documents", among other things for the development of assessment procedures and indicators. The "Advice Documents" for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. In these documents, all available information (national, EU) has been taken into account. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for assessment procedures within the framework of the Intersessional Correspondence Group on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG-COBAM) investigated and coordinated. This includes the development of a common set of regional core indicators. The economic and social analysis of the use of the North Sea waters under German sovereignty is uncharted territory. The necessary coordination with regard to the methodological approaches to be pursued took place across the EU within the framework of the CIS working group ESA. In addition, a pilot study is currently taking place within the framework of OSPAR, which serves the purpose of further coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with the UK and on November 25, 2011 with NL. Bilateral coordination with DK is currently being planned. The results of the initial assessments are comparable. However, the Wadden Sea is not considered by NL. Both UK and NL have more experience of economic and social analysis. A first comparison with DK positions took place within the framework of a multilateral coordination (BE, DE, DK, FR , UK, NL).

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" The OSPAR contracting parties have intensively exchanged information on existing methods for describing good environmental status and coordinated their further development at OSPAR level. OSPAR bodies have internal "Advice Documents" for describing good environmental status and defining Goals and indicators developed. The "Advice Documents" for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. In these documents, all available information (national, EU) has been taken into account. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for good environmental status within the framework of the Intersessional Correspondence Group on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG- COBAM) investigated and coordinated. This includes the development of a common regional set of core indicators. The descriptions of the good environmental status were created at OSPAR level on the basis of an inventory of the national drafts for Articles 9 and 10 with regard to descriptors 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and jointly analyzed with regard to regional coherence. The evaluation ranged from good (D 5, 8, 9, 10) to adequate (D 3, 11) to poor (D 7) coordination. In order to improve regional coordination, a number of improvement measures to be implemented directly or after July 2012 were identified. In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with GB and on November 25, 2011 with NL. A first comparison with DK positions took place within the framework of a multilateral coordination (BE, DE, DK, FR, GB, NL) carried out in The Hague on June 15, 2012 at the invitation of NL. In contrast to DE, UK and NL summarize GES and environmental objectives in one report or chapter, with NL also summarizing descriptors 1, 3, 4 and 6 as the descriptor "Marine Ecosystem".

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" The OSPAR contracting parties have exchanged views on the development of coordinated environmental targets and indicators. The OSPAR bodies have developed internal "Advice Documents" to describe the good status and to define targets and indicators. The "Advice Documents" for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. All available information (national, EU) has been taken into account in these documents. Environmental targets were set at OSPAR level on the basis of an inventory of national drafts for Articles 9 and 10 with regard to descriptors 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 , 10 and 11 and analyzed together with regard to regional coherence. The evaluation ranged from good (D 5, 8, 9, 10) to adequate (D 3, 11) to poor (D 7) coordination. In order to improve regional coordination, a number of improvement measures to be implemented directly or after July 2012 were identified. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for biodiversity targets and indicators within the framework of the Intersessional Correspondence Group were on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG-COBAM) investigates and coordinates. This includes the development of a common set of regional core indicators. Further bases were the work of the trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation between Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany (Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, TWSC). In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with the UK and on November 25th, 2011 with NL. A first comparison with DK positions took place within the framework of a multilateral coordination (BE, DE, DK, FR, UK, NL) carried out on June 15, 2012 in The Hague at the invitation of NL. In contrast to DE, UK and NL GES and environmental goals together in a report or chapter, with NL additionally summarizing the descriptors 1, 3, 4 and 6 as the descriptor "Marine Ecosystem". With regard to the environmental objectives and indicators, DE follows a similar approach to the NL approach mentioned last, but in which descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 are combined in one chapter. Coordination with (member) states in the catchment area without marine waters takes place as far as necessary , via the International Commissions for the Protection of the Elbe (IKSE) and the Rhine (IKSR).

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" Intensive exchange of information: Development of joint assessment bases and joint assessment at the level of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) for the protection of the marine environment in the Baltic Sea area. At this level, integrated environmental assessments have repeatedly been carried out to create thematic assessment reports as the basis for the comprehensive assessment of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM HOLAS, 2010). The HOLAS report and the underlying assessment reports are the basis for the coordination of the national initial assessments at HELCOM level. The HOLAS report 2010 provides an overarching summary of the state of the marine environment in the Baltic Sea area. It is the starting point for the coordination of the initial assessment of the countries bordering the Baltic Sea and covers the four areas of nutrient inputs, hazardous substances, biodiversity and maritime shipping. There is also a chapter on costs and benefits. Based on the HOLAS report for the initial evaluations, the coherence in the area of ​​the regions is ensured. Separate bilateral agreements between the states concerned have taken place on individual sub-regions, so that further harmonization has also taken place in this area. In addition, intensive harmonization efforts are taking place within the framework of the HELCOM projects to develop a core indicator set (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan regarding eutrophication (TARGREV). In this context, HELCOM is currently developing core indicator sets with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. The economic and social analysis of the use of the Baltic Sea waters under German jurisdiction is uncharted territory. The necessary coordination with regard to the methodological approaches to be pursued took place across the EU within the framework of the CIS working group ESA. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and PL is currently being planned. It is known from the HELCOM cooperation that the results of the initial assessments are comparable.

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" At HELCOM there was an intensive exchange about existing methods for describing the good condition as well as the coordination of their further development. As part of the HELCOM projects to develop a core set of indicators (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan with regard to eutrophication (TARGREV), core sets of indicators are being developed with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. These core indicators also contain goals or limits to determine when good environmental status has been achieved. At the time of reporting, the results from TARGREV are still the subject of national and regional discussions. Both projects were accompanied by a Joint Advisory Board (JAB) in which all member states were represented and to ensure that uniform principles are applied throughout the Baltic Sea. JAB also served as a platform for the exchange of national activities for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and has now been replaced by the group for the implementation of the ecosystem approach (GEAR). At the time of reporting, activities at HELCOM are ongoing to inventory the national approaches for the implementation of Articles 8, 9 and 10 MSFD and to assess the state of coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and PL is currently being planned. In addition, details were also agreed in bilateral country meetings.

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" At HELCOM there was an intensive exchange about existing methods for describing the good condition as well as the coordination of their further development. The basis for this is the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), which was adopted in 2007. The Baltic Sea Action Plan deals with all major environmental problems that can affect the marine environment in the Baltic Sea and provides specific goals to counter them. The far-reaching campaigns build on the extensive and long-term cooperation within HELCOM. As part of the HELCOM projects to develop a core set of indicators (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan with regard to eutrophication (TARGREV), core sets of indicators are being developed with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. These core indicator sets also contain goals or limits to determine when good environmental status has been achieved. At the time of reporting, the results from TARGREV are still the subject of national and regional discussions. Both projects were accompanied by a Joint Advisory Board (JAB) in which all member states were represented and to ensure that uniform principles are applied throughout the Baltic Sea. JAB also served as a platform for the exchange of national activities for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and has now been replaced by the group for the implementation of the ecosystem approach (GEAR). At the time of reporting, activities at HELCOM are ongoing to inventory the national approaches for the implementation of Articles 8, 9 and 10 MSFD and to assess the state of coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and POL is currently being planned. In addition, details were also agreed in bilateral country meetings. Coordination with CZ as a member state in the catchment area without marine waters takes place, as far as necessary, via the International Commission for the Protection of the Oder (IKSO).

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" Intensive exchange of information: Development of joint assessment bases and joint assessment at the level of the OSPAR Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Northeast Atlantic. At this level, integrated environmental assessments were repeatedly carried out to create thematic assessment reports as the basis for the OSPAR Quality Status Report (QSR) 2010. The QSR 2010 and the underlying assessment reports are the basis for the coordination of the national initial assessments at OSPAR level. The QSR provides an overarching summary of the environmental status of the north-east Atlantic and its five sub-regions including the North Sea. In this respect, it is proof of the coherence of the initial assessments at the level of the North Sea sub-region as well as the North-East Atlantic region. With regard to the national conclusions of the initial assessment, it was agreed that the parties concerned would coordinate at the sub-region level. The report on the ecological status of the Wadden Sea 2009 (QSR 2009). QSRs are regularly created by the trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation between Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany (Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, TWSC). OSPAR bodies have developed internal "Advice Documents", among other things for the development of assessment procedures and indicators. The Advice Documents for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. In these documents, all available information (national, EU) has been taken into account. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for assessment procedures within the framework of the Intersessional Correspondence Group on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG-COBAM) investigated and coordinated. This includes the development of a common set of regional core indicators. The economic and social analysis of the use of the North Sea waters under German jurisdiction is uncharted territory. The necessary coordination with regard to the methodological approaches to be pursued took place across the EU within the framework of the CIS working group ESA. In addition, a pilot study is currently taking place within the framework of OSPAR, which serves the purpose of further coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with the UK and on November 25, 2011 with NL. Bilateral coordination with DK is currently being planned. The results of the initial assessments are comparable. However, the Wadden Sea is not considered by NL. Both UK and NL have longer experience of economic and social analysis. A first comparison with DK positions took place within the framework of a multilateral coordination carried out on 15 June 2012 in The Hague at the invitation of NL (BE, DE, DK, FR , UK, NL).

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" The OSPAR contracting parties have intensively exchanged information about existing methods for describing good environmental status and coordinated their further development at OSPAR level. OSPAR bodies have internal "Advice Documents" for describing good environmental status and defining Goals and indicators developed. The Advice Documents for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. All available information (national, EU) has been taken into account in these documents. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for good environmental status within the framework of the Intersessional Correspondence Group on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG- COBAM) investigated and coordinated. This includes the development of a common regional core set of indicators. The descriptions of good environmental status were created at OSPAR level on the basis of an inventory of the national drafts for Articles 9 and 10 with regard to descriptors 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and jointly analyzed with regard to regional coherence. The evaluation ranged from good (D 5, 8, 9, 10) to adequate (D 3, 11) to poor (D 7) coordination. In order to improve regional coordination, a number of improvement measures to be implemented directly or after July 2012 were identified. In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with GB and on November 25, 2011 with NL. A first comparison with DK positions took place within the framework of a multilateral coordination (BE, DE, DK, FR, GB, NL) carried out in The Hague on June 15, 2012 at the invitation of NL. In contrast to DE, UK and NL summarize GES and environmental objectives in one report or chapter, with NL also summarizing descriptors 1, 3, 4 and 6 as the descriptor "Marine Ecosystem".

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" The OSPAR contracting parties have exchanged views on the development of coordinated environmental targets and indicators. The OSPAR bodies have developed internal "Advice Documents" to describe the good status and to define targets and indicators. The Advice Documents for descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 together as well as for descriptors 5, 7, 8 and 10 are available on the CIRCA website. All available information (national, EU) has been taken into account in these documents. Environmental targets were set at OSPAR level on the basis of an inventory of the national drafts for Articles 9 and 10 with regard to descriptors 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 , 10 and 11 were compared and jointly analyzed with regard to regional coherence. The evaluation ranged from good (D 5, 8, 9, 10) to adequate (D 3, 11) to poor (D 7) coordination. In order to improve regional coordination, a number of improvement measures to be implemented directly or after July 2012 were identified. For descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6, the national approaches for the biodiversity targets and indicators within the framework of the intersessional correspondence group were on the Coordination of Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (ICG-COBAM) investigates and coordinates. This includes the development of a common set of regional core indicators. Further bases were the work of the trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation between Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany (Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, TWSC). In addition to this multilateral coordination, bilateral coordination took place on October 11, 2011 with the UK and on November 25th, 2011 with NL. A first comparison with DK positions took place as part of a multilateral coordination (BE, DE, DK, FR, UK, NL) carried out on June 15, 2012 in The Hague at the invitation of NL. In contrast to DE, UK and NL GES and environmental goals in one report or chapter, with NL additionally summarizing descriptors 1, 3, 4 and 6 as the descriptor "Marine Ecosystem". With regard to environmental objectives and indicators, DE follows a similar approach to the latter NL approach, but in which descriptors 1, 2, 4 and 6 are combined in one chapter. Coordination with (member) states in the catchment area without marine waters takes place where necessary , through the International Commissions for the Protection of the Elbe (IKSE) and the Rhine (IKSR).

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" Intensive exchange of information: Development of common assessment bases and joint assessment at the level of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) for the protection of the marine environment in the Baltic Sea area. At this level, integrated environmental assessments have repeatedly been carried out to create thematic assessment reports as the basis for the comprehensive assessment of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea (HELCOM HOLAS, 2010). The HOLAS report and the underlying assessment reports are the basis for the coordination of the national initial assessments at HELCOM level. The HOLAS report 2010 provides an overarching summary of the state of the marine environment in the Baltic Sea area. It is the starting point for the coordination of the initial assessment of the countries bordering the Baltic Sea and covers the four areas of nutrient inputs, hazardous substances, biodiversity and maritime shipping. There is also a chapter on costs and benefits. Based on the HOLAS report for the initial evaluations, the coherence in the area of ​​the regions is ensured. Separate bilateral agreements between the states concerned have taken place on individual sub-regions, so that further harmonization has also taken place in this area. In addition, intensive harmonization efforts are being made within the framework of the HELCOM projects to develop a core indicator set (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan regarding eutrophication (TARGREV). In this context, HELCOM is currently developing core sets of indicators with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. The economic and social analysis of the use of the Baltic Sea waters under German jurisdiction is uncharted territory. The necessary coordination with regard to the methodological approaches to be pursued took place across the EU within the framework of the CIS working group ESA. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and PL is currently being planned. It is known from the HELCOM cooperation that the results of the initial assessments are comparable.

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" At HELCOM there was an intensive exchange about existing methods for describing the good status and the coordination of their further development. As part of the HELCOM projects to develop a core indicator set (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan with regard to eutrophication (TARGREV), core indicator sets are being developed with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. These core indicators also contain goals or limits to determine when good environmental status has been achieved. At the time of reporting, the results from TARGREV are still the subject of national and regional discussions. Both projects were accompanied by a Joint Advisory Board (JAB) in which all member states were represented and to ensure that uniform principles are applied throughout the Baltic Sea. JAB also served as a platform for the exchange of national activities for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and has now been replaced by the group for the implementation of the ecosystem approach (GEAR). At the time of reporting, activities are ongoing at HELCOM to inventory the national approaches to the implementation of Articles 8, 9 and 10 MSFD and to assess the state of coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and PL is currently being planned. In addition, details were also agreed in bilateral country meetings.

DE as "co-lead" of the CIS working group GES has the joint development of the working basis "Common Understanding of (Initial) Assessment, Determination of Good Environmental Status (GES) & Establishment of Environmental Targets (Articles 8, 9 & 10 MSFD)" At HELCOM there was an intensive exchange about existing methods for describing the good status and the coordination of their further development. The basis for this is the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (? Baltic Sea Action Plan? BSAP?), Which was adopted in 2007. The Baltic Sea Action Plan addresses all major environmental problems that can affect the marine environment in the Baltic Sea and provides specific targets to address them. The far-reaching campaigns build on the extensive and long-term cooperation within HELCOM. As part of the HELCOM projects to develop a core indicator set (CORESET) and to review the ecological goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan with regard to eutrophication (TARGREV), core indicator sets are being developed with regard to biodiversity, hazardous substances and eutrophication. These core indicator sets also contain goals or limits to determine when good environmental status has been achieved. At the time of reporting, the results from TARGREV are still the subject of national and regional discussions. Both projects were accompanied by a Joint Advisory Board (JAB) in which all member states were represented and to ensure that uniform principles are applied throughout the Baltic Sea. JAB also served as a platform for the exchange of national activities for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and has now been replaced by the group for the implementation of the ecosystem approach (GEAR). At the time of reporting, activities are ongoing at HELCOM to inventory the national approaches to the implementation of Articles 8, 9 and 10 MSFD and to assess the state of coordination. In addition to this multilateral coordination, trilateral coordination with DK and POL is currently being planned. In addition, details were also agreed in bilateral country meetings. Coordination with CZ as a member state in the catchment area without marine waters takes place, as far as necessary, via the International Commission for the Protection of the Oder (IKSO).