The EU’s latest maritime spatial planning dialogue has set the stage for stronger marine conservation, streamlined fisheries licensing and closer stakeholder cooperation.
Held on 1 July in Brussels, the implementation dialogue on maritime spatial planning (MSP) brought together business leaders, civil society groups and public authorities to assess the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD).
Hosted by Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, the event examined how to better align MSP with rapidly changing industry and conservation needs.
“Maritime spatial planning is the backbone of sustainable ocean management, but we must adapt it to protect biodiversity and ensure fisheries thrive,” said Commissioner Kadis.
Reducing bureaucracy
Key outcomes included calls to strengthen policy alignment with EU climate, biodiversity, energy and food security goals.
Participants stressed the need to engage fisheries and local communities early in planning processes, reduce bureaucracy in fisheries licensing and improve coordination for marine conservation efforts.
There was broad agreement on enhancing cross-border collaboration, increasing data sharing and harmonising approaches across sea basins.
Delegates also pushed for stronger legal protection for sensitive areas, better monitoring of intensified offshore activities and more flexibility to meet local needs.
These recommendations will feed into the forthcoming Ocean Act, part of the European Ocean Pact, which aims to modernise MSP and improve cross-sectoral coordination.
This was the first implementation dialogue for Commissioner Kadis, following President von der Leyen’s mandate for regular stakeholder engagement.
The next dialogue, scheduled for 24 November 2025, will focus on small-scale fisheries.
