The status of information exchange through CISE and current operational needs were the key themes of the 16^th CISE Stakeholders Group (CSG) meeting held on 4-5 December 2024. Almost 70 representatives from a variety of national and European maritime authorities gathered in Lisbon and online. This was the first CSG meeting after the launch of the Operational Phase on 1 July 2024.

In the opening remarks, the EMSA Executive Director Ms Maja Markovčić Kostelac welcomed the high level of participation of experts from 18 EU Members States and 7 EU bodies, demonstrating the continued interest in implementing and using the voluntary CISE for maritime information exchange. Ms Markovčić praised the effort made by all the stakeholders involved in the previous Transitional Phase, which built the backbone of operational CISE. Ms Markovčić emphasized that CISE is not only about information sharing but also about building a network of trust.

The operational readiness of CISE was highlighted by Mr Christos Economou, Deputy Director Maritime Policy and Blue Economy, and Head of Unit Sea Basin Strategies, Maritime Regional Cooperation and Maritime Security at the European Commission’s DG MARE. Mr Economou stressed the need to join efforts to increase common surveillance capabilities in the current challenging maritime security environment.  Mr Economou highlighted the latest EU policy developments, including the new Commission, the Ocean Pact, and the priorities of the incoming EU Presidency. He also addressed recent incidents in the Baltic Sea and, outlined the next steps for CISE based on the conclusions from the CISE High-Level Event held on 17 October in Brussels.

Mr Economou also informed the participants that DG MARE will organize a workshop in Brussels on 30 January 2025. The event will focus particularly on addressing the most urgent maritime threats, such as risks to critical infrastructure, shadow fleets, and EU-sanctioned vessels.

In the following part of the meeting, the stakeholders reported from several past and ongoing activities which effectively tested CISE. Another activity discussed was the status of the CISE Sea Basin approach which aims to foster the use of CISE in specific sea basins around Europe. Stakeholders also heard about the successful technical connection established between the CISE and MARSUR networks, bringing civil and military maritime authorities closer.

To foster the exchange of information through CISE and to enhance synergies and cooperation, the stakeholders discussed their current operational needs in dedicated breakout sessions. This brainstorming exercise allowed for an informal exchange of ideas and needs of each of the stakeholders, as well as to identify any challenges that could potentially hinder from making the best use of CISE. The discussions resulted in the drawing up of a list of recommendations, including the need to further promote CISE and to organise regular exercises. The stakeholders also underlined the importance of establishing common operational procedures and of the continued development of the Sea Basin approach.

The next CSG meeting is planned to be held in the second quarter of 2025.