The state-of-the-art of strategic Environmental Assessment

In this paper, the authors reflect on the state of the art of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in 2026, based on the professional academic literature (refereed papers, professional books and book chapters). The history of SEA development, extent of SEA application and interpretations as well as associated research activities and elements of effectiveness are outlined. Furthermore, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis is provided, which takes the SWOT analysis of an earlier State of the Art of SEA paper, written 14 years ago and published also in Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal as the starting point. Over the past 14 years, countries requiring SEA, as well as practice and publications on SEA have grown. Some new opportunities and threats are observed to have emerged. These revolve around simplification efforts, artificial intelligence and the growing recognition of a framework approach to tiered SEA and EIA.