This ESPON Peer Learning Workshop (PLW) will focus on the green offshore energy potentials of the Black Sea and also on how these potentials could be best exploited in an economically and ecologically sustainable way.

On 31.08.2021 from 10:00 am through the Webex platform will be held a public discussion of the project for the Maritime Spatial Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria 2020-2035, the Environmental Assessment Report and the assessment of its compatibility. Information about the event is available on: the website of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (link) and in the public consultation portal (link).

Third Thematic Workshop: „COASTAL PROTECTION MEASURES AGAINST EROSION” of MARSPLAN-BS II project (Cross border maritime spatial planning in the Black Sea – Bulgaria and Romania), funded by the European Commission, through Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME), from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), will be conducted on 11th February 2021.

Despite the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus, the maritime spatial planning process continues. On November 26th, 2020, the 3rd Steering Committee meeting will take place within the MARSPLAN-BS II project. Due to the safety measures, the meeting will be carried out in video-conference format and will be organized by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria. All partners in the MARSPLAN-BS II project as well as representatives of DG MARE and EASME will attend the Steering Committee.

Based on the project agreement „Cross border maritime spatial planning in the Black Sea – Bulgaria and Romania, cod EASME/EMFF/2018/1.2.1.5/01/SI2.806725 - MARSPLAN-BS II”, financed by the European Commission, through Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME), from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), the Thematic Workshop: Tourism Activities will take place on 5th November 2020.

On July 9th, 2020, the first Advisory Board meeting of MARSPLAN – BS II Project (Cross-border Maritime Spatial Planning for Black Sea – Bulgaria and Romania), will take place in the Exhibition Center Flora, Burgas.

Despite the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus, the maritime spatial planning process continues. On May 7th, 2020, the 2nd Steering Committee meeting will take place within the MARSPLAN-BS II project. Due to the safety measures, the meeting will take place in video-conference format and will be organized by the Ministry of Public Works, Development and Administration of Romania. All the partners from the MARSPLAN-BS II project as well as representatives from DG MARE and EASME will attend the Steering Committee.

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.