Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) for the North Sea

The European Commission has launched a new call for proposals under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) with EU co-funding of up to EUR 2.5 million. The objective of this call for proposals to facilitate the implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning in the North Seas.

This call is intended to fund projects developing innovative responses to tackle specific challenges that EU Member States might encounter when putting into effect, monitoring and/or revising their maritime spatial plans.

The Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive entered into force in September 2014 and established a set of common minimum requirements. It represents an overarching governance framework for EU Member States, which were required to adopt maritime spatial plans by 31 March 2021 in all EU marine waters.

Only one project is expected to be funded.

Until when to apply?

Applicants can submit their proposals until 11 June 2024 at 17:00 (CEST).

How to apply?

Applicants have to submit their proposal electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System

Background

The support of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to Maritime Spatial Planning Projects continues to cover the needs of EU Member States in the implementation, monitoring and revision of their maritime spatial plans, as well as to support the cross-border cooperation and combined efforts of countries at sea-basin level to tackle the targets under the European Green Deal and the above described initiatives.

In general, EMFAF supports the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and of the Union's maritime policy along four priorities:

• Fostering sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine biological resources;
• Contributing to food security in the Union through competitive and sustainable aquaculture and markets;
• Enabling the growth of a sustainable blue economy and fostering prosperous coastal communities;
• Strengthening international ocean governance and enabling safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed seas and oceans.

For the period 2021-2027, it has an overall budget of EUR 6.108 billion to promote a growth and job-based recovery in Europe. The budget is divided between shared (e.g. managed by Member States) and direct management (managed by the European Commission, agencies and international organisations).

The majority of the EMFAF actions in direct management delegated to CINEA are targeted at supporting policy development by the European Commission and implemented by way of procurement (purchase of services) and grants (contribution to specific actions).