The Opening Conference of MARSPLAN – BS II Project (Cross-border Maritime Spatial Planning for Black Sea – Bulgaria and Romania), was held at the Ramada Hotel, Sofia, Bulgaria on the 10th October 2019. The project is funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund under Grant Agreement for an action with multiple beneficiaries No EASME/EMFF/2018/ 1.2.1.5/01/SI2.806725. The project aims to support the coordination of both countries in the process of maritime spatial planning, as required by the European Directive 2014/89 /EU and to create a long-term mechanism for cross-border cooperation in the Black Sea basin. By the end of March 2021, Bulgaria and Romania are expected to submit their National Maritime Spatial Plans to the European Commission.

The KICK-OFF MEETING of project team of MARSPLAN - BS II (Cross-Border Maritime Spatial Planning for the Black Sea - Bulgaria and Romania) project, was held at the Ramada Hotel, Sofia, Bulgaria on the 9th October 2019.

At the European Union level it was highly recognized the importance of the sea and the need to establish a framework for maritime spatial planning.

A crucial step in this respect was made with the adoption of the Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning.