Study on the implementation by EU Member States of Directive 2014/89/EU on Maritime Spatial Planning

This report presents an EU-wide assessment of progress in the establishment and revision of Maritime Spatial Plans (MSPs) across the 22 Member States with marine waters, since the Commission’s 2022 MSP Report. It examines new and updated MSPs, reviews ongoing revision processes, and analyses how Member States apply key provisions of the MSP 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 MSPs address core planning requirements, including application of the ecosystem-based approach, integration of MSFD 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 MSP to European Green Deal objectives, showing strong alignment for offshore renewable energy and MPA integration, with more limited operationalisation of climate adaptation and restoration objectives. Forthcoming MSP reviews are expected to strengthen alignment and support a more strategic, coordinated and ecosystem-based use of Europe’s seas