An outcome of the policy document “Integrated Coastal Zone Management: A Strategy for Europe" (1) is the “Recommendation on ICZM”. It was perceived as a milestone for ICZM, because it defined principles for a successful coastal zone management and defined tasks for EU Member States (2):

“Principle 1: A broad overall perspective (thematic and geographic) which will take into account the interdependence and disparity of natural systems and human activities with an impact on coastal areas

Principle 2: A long-term perspective which will take into account the precautionary principle and the needs of present and future generations

Principle 3: Adaptive management during a gradual process which will facilitate adjustment as problems and knowledge develop. This implies the need for a sound scientific basis concerning the evolution of the coastal zone

Principle 4: Local specificity and the great diversity of European coastal zones which will make it possible to respond to their practical needs with specific solutions and flexible measures

Principle 5: Working with natural processes and respecting the carrying capacity of ecosystems, which will make human activities more environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically sound.

Principle 6: Involving all the parties concerned (economic and social partners, the organisations representing coastal zone residents, non-governmental organisations and the business sector) in the management process, for example by means of agreements and based on shared responsibility.

Principle 7: Support and involvement of relevant administrative bodies at national, regional and local level between which appropriate links should be established or maintained with the aim of improved coordination of the various existing policies. Partnership with and between regional and local authorities should apply when appropriate.

Principle 8: Use of a combination of instruments designed to facilitate coherence between sectoral policy objectives and coherence between planning and management” (1).

The Recommendation on ICZM asks EU Member States:

• to conduct a stocktaking to analyse which major actors, laws and institutions influence the management of their coastal zone;
• to develop a national strategy or to implement the principles for integrated management of the coastal zone;
• to enter into a dialogue with coastal stakeholders and neighbouring countries and
• to report to the Commission on the experience;

An EU ICZM Expert group, consisting of Commission, Member States, Candidate countries and relevant European coastal interest or stakeholder groups facilitated the implementation of the EU ICZM Recommendation. However, being a recommendation, it is not legally binding but relies on voluntary actions by EU Member States.