The mission of the Member States Expert Group on Integrated Maritime Policy is to assist the Commission to gather information relevant to the development of the EU Maritime Policy and to receive the views of the Member States on issues to be addressed. It brings together national public servants with one expert per Member state, plus observers from Iceland and Norway. The MS Experts Group meets every three months to discuss work in progress in maritime policy, both in Members States and in DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. As well as providing early input from Member State into Commission proposals, the meetings serve as a forum for the exchange of best practice.