Greece has submitted plans to the European Union outlining the organization of maritime activities, including fishing, tourism, and offshore energy, following years of delays that prompted criticism from the European Commission.
In February, the EU Court of Justice ruled that Greece violated EU regulations by failing to submit a maritime spatial plan by March 2021. The European Commission had referred Greece to the court due to these delays.
Maritime spatial plans specify areas for activities such as fishing, sea transport, tourism, aquaculture, and renewable energy projects. They also support the protection of marine ecosystems from threats like overfishing and pollution.
On Wednesday, the Greek government announced that its plan had been submitted to Brussels. Athens attributed the delays to factors such as its extensive coastline, numerous islands, and geopolitical challenges in the eastern Mediterranean.
The government clarified that the maritime spatial plan does not define exclusive economic zones, which are established through bilateral agreements.
Greece and Turkey, NATO allies with a history of tensions, are exploring the possibility of negotiations to demarcate maritime zones. The two nations have long-standing disputes over issues, including mineral rights in the Aegean Sea and the ethnically divided island of Cyprus.
Greece has already established exclusive economic zones with Italy and Egypt.
Environmental organizations, such as Greenpeace and WWF, have repeatedly called on Greece to deliver these spatial plans, accusing the government of neglecting environmental protection.
Greece Completes Marine Spatial Planning, Unveils Official Map
