The Government approved the draft Maritime Spatial Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2035

The Council of Ministers approved the draft Maritime Spatial Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria with a time horizon until 2035. The adoption of Maritime Spatial Plans is mandatory for all EU landlocked countries. With the approval of the Marine Spatial Plan, Bulgaria makes a strong bid to join the countries that have complied with their obligation under Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning.

The Maritime Areas and Inland Waterways and Ports of the Republic of Bulgaria Act provides for the document to be updated every 10 years. If necessary, this will be done in a shorter period.

The plan will allow to make optimal use of the natural assets and resources in the Black Sea area and to create conditions for the development of all economic activities in compliance with environmental standards. It does not foresee any change in the way the coastal areas are permanently used, nor any investment initiatives or new construction under the spatial planning regulatory framework.

The adoption and implementation of the Marine Spatial Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria represents a step towards a more sustainable use of the Black Sea and its more effective conservation.