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)
Status: Adopted
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.
Belgium's first Maritime Spatial Plan is available here (in English)
Belgium's second maritime spatial plan, covering the period 2020-2026, was adopted through Royal Decree on 22 May 2019.
Belgium's second Maritime Spatial Plan is available here (in English)
Latest MSP developments
Public consultation on the draft of the third Belgium MSP was carried out between April and June 2023. The comments received are now being integrated into the draft document. Another round of public consultations ("Update of the Belgian national biodiversity strategy until 2030") and international consultations took place between April and May 2024.
Next steps
The finalization of the new Belgium MSP is now ongoing. It is expected to enter into force in March 2026.
For more information please click here.
MSP legislation
The EU MSP Directive is transposed into national legislation through the Marine Environment Act, amended in 2012 to include the development of a MSP. Its name was also amended to "Act for the protection of marine environment and for the organisation of maritime spatial planning in the maritime regions under the Belgian jurisdiction." The Royal Decree of 13 November 2012 enacts the maritime spatial planning procedure in the Belgian maritime area and the establishment of and advisory committee on MSP.
National MSP authority
Belgium's competent authority for MSP is the Minister for the North Sea
Contact:
Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment
Marine Environment Service
Jesse Verhalle (jesse.verhalle
health.fgov.be (jesse[dot]verhalle[at]health[dot]fgov.b)) - Loes Rutten (loes.ruttenhealth.fgov.be)
For more information
For more information regarding the evolution of the MSP process in Belgium please see the dedicated country profile below.