Today, the European Commission decided to refer Italy (INFR(2021)2223) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to ensure the correct implementation of the Directive establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning (Directive 2014/89/EU).
The Directive sets out a common approach for EU countries to plan and organise human activities in marine areas in a sustainable manner. Appropriate planning aims to meet various ecological, economic and social objectives. Amongst these are the development of a sustainable blue economy, the sustainable use of marine resources, and the conservation of healthy marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The correct implementation of the Directive is essential to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal.
The Directive requires coastal Member States to draw up maritime spatial plans no later than 31 March 2021, and to communicate these plans to the Commission and other Member States concerned within three months of their publication. However, Italy has still not drawn up and submitted its maritime spatial plans to the Commission.
Therefore, following a letter of formal notice sent in December 2021 and a reasoned opinion in April 2023, the Commission is referring Italy to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Background
Maritime spatial planning is the tool to manage the use of our seas and oceans coherently and to ensure that human activities take place in an efficient, safe and sustainable way.
The Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (Directive 2014/89/EU) is part of the Integrated Maritime Policy of the Union. It establishes a framework for maritime spatial planning aimed at promoting the sustainable growth of maritime economies, the sustainable development of marine areas and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Maritime spatial planning must take into account interactions between activities on land and at sea, reduce conflicts and create synergies, as well as foster cooperation across borders between EU countries (for example to develop renewable energy, allocate shipping lanes, lay pipelines and submarine cables, etc.). In this way, it also gives effect to the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
