This guidance document addresses the overall framework for geological storage in the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Directive for the entire life cycle of geological carbon sequestration activities, including its phases, main activities, and major regulatory milestones. Other issues addressed in the document include the high-level approach to risk assessment and management, which is intended to ensure the safety and effectiveness of geological sequestration, and the processes by which the competent authority (CA) in each member state can interact with the operators at key project stages, particularly with regard to risk management.