Brussels, 17/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - For the first time member states will have to draw up maritime area plans that are valid until 2021. MEPs adopted a new directive in this sense on the basis of the report by Gesine Meissner (ALDE, Germany), by 470 for, 96 against, with 9 abstentions.
This will involve encouraging member states to improve the coordination of different activities in the maritime area as a means to find a better sustainable balance. By way of these plans, operators will know where and when they should carry out their activities and will not have to go through different agencies to carry out the different administrative procedures required. As from 2016, when this directive enters into force, the authority responsible for maritime area planning will be set up. It will oversee respect for the national plans drawn up. These plans will have to include minimum economic, social and environmental objectives, which are adapted to local situations and the effect on local and other specificities.
Commissioners Maria Damanaki (Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) and Janez Potocnik, (Environment) believe that it will only be by coordinating the different activities in the maritime area that access to this area will be easier to predict for investors and less damaging to the environment. (MD)