Minister Ivanov held a working meeting with the Director of the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Charlina Vicheva

The Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov and the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission, Charlina Vicheva, discussed the development of the blue economy in Bulgaria at a workshop today.

The blue economy is one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide. In order for Bulgaria to make the most of the opportunities it provides, it is very important that the country also develops cooperation with neighboring countries, stressed Charlina Vicheva. She also pointed out that 80% of biodiversity is in the ocean and needs to be preserved. He recalled that various European funds could be used to invest in the blue economy, including the European Regional Development Fund.

Minister Ivanov expressed concern about the intentions of the European Commission for the future of cohesion policy and the Cohesion Fund not to continue functioning in its current form.

The Regional Minister reminded that the MRDPW has developed and adopted a maritime spatial plan whose vision is aimed at providing predictability and security in marine spaces, coordination and synergy between uses and reducing the harmful effects of human activity. It aims to create new knowledge and culture, services and biotechnologies through cooperation between governance, science and the economy to support blue growth and the improved well-being of local communities.

The maritime or "blue" economy includes a wide range of activities related to the sea, such as fishing and aquaculture, exploration and extraction of raw materials, shipping and maritime transport, maritime and coastal tourism, as well as maritime activities that use or produce products and services from oceanic and maritime activities, such as seafood processing, marine biotechnology, shipbuilding and ship repair, port activities, equipment.