Skip to main content
Oceans and fisheries
News announcement27 June 2019Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

CISE (Common Information Sharing Environment): A new era for maritime surveillance

The Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) has made important progress by entering its transitional phase (2019 – 2021) which will be managed and led by European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in close cooperation with the Member States.

Integrated Maritime Surveillance is the effective understanding of all activities carried out at sea that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of the European Union and its Member States. A common information-sharing environment (CISE) is currently being developed jointly by the European Commission and EU/EEA members with the support of relevant agencies such as the EFCA. It integrates existing surveillance systems and networks and gives all those authorities concerned access to the information they need for their missions at sea. The CISE makes different systems interoperable so that data and other information can be exchanged easily through the use of modern technologies.

CISE has now entered a new phase, funded through a direct grant of 3,5 million € by EMFF, during which it will build upon the successful completion of the EU interoperability project EUCISE 2020 as well as upon the knowledge gained through important national projects.

The CISE Stakeholders Group which will be the governance body for the transitional phase was set up by Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and held its kick off meeting in Lisbon on May 15, 2019. All EU Member States, many EU agencies (EFCA, Frontex, European Union Satellite Centre - SatCen, European Defence Agency - EDA) and the European External Action Service (EEAS) are members of this group. The next meeting of the CISE Stakeholders Group will take place in October.

CISE is now expected to further facilitate quick and reliable exchange of information across borders and across different maritime authorities and contribute to ensure a safer and more secure maritime environment, which is a key precondition to allow blue economy to grow and flourish. It will improve maritime surveillance and mitigate the diverse risks that might have a negative effect on our seas and shores, such as pollution, illegal and criminal activities, piracy, or terrorism.

A Staff Working Document is currently being drafted, aiming in presenting the review of CISE, the achievements of last years and the main challenges that lay ahead for its further implementation.

More information

CISE

Details

Publication date
27 June 2019
Author
Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries