This map was compiled from different international sources such as EMODnet, EEA or Marine Regions. Information obtained from these sources was cross-checked with data from national sources. While compilation was carried out by the European MSP Platform, validation and quality assurance remain the responsibility of the primary data sources.
Basic facts on Marine Waters
Maritime Spatial Plan(s)
1st Cycle : Belgium adopted its first legally binding maritime spatial plan, the Maritime Spatial Plan for the Belgium Part of the North Sea, via Royal Decree on 20 March 2014.
2nd Cycle : Belgium's second maritime spatial plan, covering the period 2020-2026, was adopted through Royal Decree on 22 May 2019.
3rd Cycle: Belgium's third maritime spatial plan, covering the period 2026-2034, was adopted through Royal Decree on 19 March 2026.
Belgium's third Maritime Spatial Plan is available here (in English)
MSP legislation
The EU MSP Directive is transposed into national legislation through the Marine Environment Act of 11 December 2022 for the protection of the marine environment and for the organisation of marine spatial planning in the Belgian sea areas. The MSP procedure is governed by the Royal Decree of 8 November 2023 on the establishment of an advisory committee and the procedure for the adoption of a marine spatial plan in the Belgian sea areas.
National MSP authority
Belgium's competent authority for MSP is the Minister for the North Sea
Contact:
Loes Rutten (loes.rutten
health.fgov.be (loes[dot]rutten[at]health[dot]fgov[dot]be))
Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment
Marine Environment Department
For more information
For more information regarding the evolution of the MSP process in Belgium please see the dedicated country profile below.