Press Release: Maritime spatial planning needs common European approach

On 26 February, 2009, Joe Borg, Commissioner in charge of maritime affairs and fisheries, opened an EU-wide debate on how to improve maritime spatial planning across the European Union. The European Commission is promoting the use of maritime spatial planning to facilitate offshore investments. Maritime spatial planning also helps to monitor and evaluate the impact of activities at sea on each other and on the marine environment. It is an essential tool for ensuring a rational use of the sea and reconciling the interests of different maritime sectors. The Commission believes that a common approach across the EU and closer coordination between Member States could cut administrative procedures and provide a stable legal framework for investors.

European Commission: SPEECH/09/79: The importance of maritime spatial planning for Integrated Maritime Policy http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/09/79&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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