site.btaEC Seeks Information about Implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning Directive by Bulgaria

Brussels, July 13 (BTA correspondent Nikolay Jeliazkov) - The European Commission announced on Thursday it has sent reasoned opinions to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland and Greece over the lack of notification about the full transposition of the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive in national laws.

EU countries had until September 18 2016 to transpose the directive. Competition about maritime space for RES facilities, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, resources and maritime routes calls for a concerted management of EU waters. Under the directive human activates in seas are implemented in an efficient, safe and sustainable way. The Directive establishes a common approach for EU countries and sets minimum requirements for maritime planning.

Countries are expected to meet their obligations within two months. After that the European Commission may pursue legal action.