Maritime Spatial Planning: European Commission Refers Greece to EU Court of Justice

The European Commission recently decided to refer Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union for its failure to ensure the correct implementation of Directive (EU) 2014/89 on maritime spatial planning.

The Directive sets out a common approach for EU countries to plan their maritime areas.

According to the Commission, maritime spatial planning seeks to organise human activities in marine areas to meet various ecological, economic and social objectives. Amongst these are the development of a sustainable blue economy, the sustainable use of marine resources, and the conservation of healthy marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

“Correct implementation of the Directive is essential to ensure proper achievement of these objectives as part of the European Green Deal,” the Commission says.

The Directive requires coastal EU Member States to draw up maritime spatial plans no later than 31 March 2021, and to communicate the plans to the Commission and other Member States concerned within three months of their publication.

However, Greece has still not drawn up and submitted their maritime spatial plans to the Commission.

Therefore, following a letter of formal notice sent in December 2021, and a reasoned opinion in April 2023, the Commission is referring Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The Maritime Spatial Planning Directive can be found here.

The Commission recently decided to close a similar case against Bulgaria following adoption and submission to the Commission of their maritime spatial plan on 31 August 2023.