The kick-off meeting with CINEA and the European Commission (DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) marked the official launch of two new Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) projects funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). These projects support the European Green Deal and aim to address challenges faced by the blue economy, such as competition for space, sustainability of activities, and the cumulative impacts of spatial planning. Focused on the Mediterranean and North Sea regions, the projects seek to integrate sustainability into national maritime spatial plans, promote cross-border cooperation, and enhance long-term environmental and economic resilience.
MEDIGREEN: MEDiterranean approach towards a maritime European GREEN Deal in MSP
The MEDIGREEN project aims to support the transition to the European Green Deal in the Mediterranean Sea by enhancing transnational cooperation in Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). It focuses on key sectors such as offshore renewable energy, fishing, aquaculture, and nature conservation. Building on the MSP-GREEN project, MEDIGREEN will help EU Member States achieve the Green Deal's objectives and foster collaboration with non-EU countries like Algeria and Tunisia. Specific tasks include assessing MSP’s impact on the Green Deal, strengthening national actions in maritime spatial plans, and providing recommendations for key maritime sectors. The project will also involve the Mediterranean MSP Community of Practice through workshops in 2026 to develop strategies for cooperation and exchange between EU and non-EU stakeholders.
Find out more about the project
NESBp: Enhancing Maritime Governance and Ecosystem-Based Management in the North Sea
The NESBp focuses on the governance, multi-use, and ecosystem-based management of the North Sea and Baltic Sea regions. It aims to provide recommendations for the sustainable development of marine protected areas, integrating the transition to renewable energy and biodiversity protection within national maritime spatial plans. Key objectives include strengthening multi-level governance in these regions, developing methods for applying an ecosystem-based approach, particularly regarding cumulative impacts, and enhancing knowledge sharing to support the diverse stakeholders involved in maritime spatial planning.