The European Commission proposed a draft directive to improve the planning of maritime activities at sea and the management of coastal areas. The document aims to establish a common European framework for maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal management in EU Member States to ensure long-term sustainability of maritime and coastal activities and resources.
Ms Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affaires and Fisheries stated that with this new initiative the Commission is “proposing a new step of the Integrated Maritime Policy of the European Union and offering a new tool for our Blue Growth Strategy. By facilitating sustainable development and investments at sea, the Directive will contribute to make real the potential of Europe’s Blue Economy for growth and jobs”.
The draft directive will now be considered by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. Once adopted, the new initiative will become EU law.
Please follow this link to find out more about the details of the proposal.