With a clear position on the obligation of our country to proceed with the preparation of maritime spatial plans, the European Commission has responded to a question from the MEP of SYRIZA, Nikolas Farantouris, as the latter says in a relevant statement.

In particular, the Commission says that the obligation for member states to complete and submit maritime spatial planning applies “regardless of the existence of challenges to the delimitation of maritime zones with third countries”. For this reason, Greece has already been referred to the Court of Justice, as it has not yet complied with the directive.

More importantly, however, the Commission explicitly states that it is committed to supporting Greece in addressing the challenges it faces from Turkey in implementing the Directive and is willing to provide technical and financial support.

In his question, the Greek MEP had submitted that Turkey is obstructing the exercise of Greece’s rights and fulfilment of its obligations under European and international law and is making claims of co-construction of the planning, as it characterises the areas in question as “disputed”. The Commission’s response opens a new way for Greece, according to Nicolas Farantouris, to defend its legal rights at sea, with the assistance of the European Union.

The European Commission’s response

E-000017/2025

Answer from Mr Kadis

on behalf of the European Commission

(21.2.2025)

1. The Marine Spatial Planning Directive (MSP)1 does not provide for exemptions from the obligation to submit a marine spatial plan by 31 March 2021. Therefore, under the MSP Directive, the obligation to prepare maritime spatial plans continues to apply irrespective of the existence of challenges to the delimitation of maritime zones with third countries. As guardian of the Treaties, the Commission ensures compliance with all obligations under EU law. Infringement proceedings 2 against Greece for failure to adopt and submit maritime spatial plans have already been referred to the Court of Justice and a decision is pending.

2. As guardian of the Treaties, the Commission can take enforcement action in any case of non-compliance by a Member State with its obligations under EU law, including by initiating infringement proceedings. The Commission is committed to supporting Member States in fulfilling their maritime spatial planning obligations. The Commission is also engaged in dialogue with Member States to address any challenges they may face in implementing the Directive.

3. The Commission is prepared to provide technical and financial support to facilitate the implementation of the acquis in maritime spatial planning.

Annex:

1 Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for marine spatial planning.

2 https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infring