On 26 March in Brussels, Maria Damanaki, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, will host an international conference on how maritime spatial planning can contribute to boosting growth. The conference, "The case for Maritime Spatial Planning: efficient resource management for sustainable growth", will be attended by ministers, national authorities, industry representatives and NGOs. Maritime Spatial Planning, as promoted in the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy, is a key tool for creating an environment in which the maritime economy can grow in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. Transparency, stability, predictability and reduced transaction costs are the factors that encourage and accelerate investments – and are among the benefits that Maritime Spatial Planning can bring. The Maritime Economy is a motor for growth in Europe. The conference will discuss best practice examples from within the EU and around the world and discuss the challenges for Maritime Spatial Planning in the European context. 

A press point with Commissioner Damanaki is planned for 10h40 (Charlemagne building).

More information: 

• The case for Maritime Spatial Planning: efficient resource management for sustainable growth