The initial joint technical meeting is held to kick-off the activity for the identification of synergies and possible cooperation activities in marine regions, included in the workplan of the Espoo Convention and its Protocol on SEA for 2021–2023, at the initiative of Italy. (See https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/ece_mp.eia_wg.2_2021_5_e.pdf)