Details
- Identification
- ISBN 978-92-9405-368-8 doi:10.2926/3559392 HZ-01-26-049 EN-N, ISBN 978-92-9405-370-1 doi:10.2926/3387986 HZ-01-26-050-EN-N
- Publication date
- 28 January 2026
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
Description
This report presents an EU-wide assessment of progress in the establishment and revision of Maritime Spatial Plans across the 22 Member States with marine waters, since the Commission’s 2022 Report.
It examines new and updated Maritime Spatial Plans, reviews ongoing revision processes, and analyses how Member States apply key provisions of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive. The study also identifies the main drivers behind recent plan updates - most notably offshore renewable-energy deployment, biodiversity protection, grid and port development, defence and security considerations, and governance streamlining.
The report provides a structured overview of how Maritime Spatial Plans address core planning requirements, including application of the ecosystem-based approach, integration of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive's objectives, consideration of environmental, social, economic and safety aspects, coherence with other policy processes, land–sea interactions, management of interactions between uses, participation practices, data use, and transboundary and third-country cooperation.
Illustrative examples highlight innovative national approaches and practical implementation pathways.
A dedicated analysis explores the contribution of Maritime Spatial Plans to European Green Deal objectives, showing strong alignment for offshore renewable energy and Marine Protected Area integration, with more limited operationalisation of climate adaptation and restoration objectives. Forthcoming Maritime Spatial Plans reviews are expected to strengthen alignment and support a more strategic, coordinated and ecosystem-based use of Europe’s seas.
