The Draft Maritime Spatial Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria 2021-2035 has been finally adopted by the National Expert Council on Spatial Planning and Regional Policy

The National Expert Council on Spatial Planning and Regional Policy adopted the final draft of the Maritime Spatial Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria with a time horizon up to 2035. This is one of the final steps in the process of developing and agreeing the first ever national strategic document addressing the country’s maritime area. It is to be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval.

The integrated maritime spatial planning policy has been adopted by the European Union countries as a tool for sustainable development, and it has been regulated in 2014 in the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 89/2014. It has been transposed into Bulgarian legislation through an amendment to the Act on Maritime Spaces, Inland Waterways and Ports of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has the main coordinating role in the elaboration of the strategy to promote sustainable growth of the maritime economy while optimally using and recovering marine resources.

The adoption of Marine Spatial Plans is mandatory for all landlocked countries of the European Union. With the approval of the Marine Spatial Plan by the National Expert Council on Spatial Planning and Regional Policy and its prior approval by the Consultative Council on Marine Spatial Planning of the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Bulgaria makes a clear bid to join the countries that have complied with their obligation under the Directive.

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.