site.btaRegional Development Minister, EC Maritime Affairs Head Discuss Blue Economy Development

Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Ivanov and the Director-General of the European Commission's (EC) DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Charlina Vitcheva, discussed the development of the blue economy in Bulgaria, the Ministry said on Thursday.

The blue economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. To fully benefit from its potential, Bulgaria must strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries, Vitcheva said. She noted that 80% of biodiversity is found in the ocean and must be protected. She recalled that various EU funds, including the European Regional Development Fund, are available for investments in the blue economy.

Ivanov expressed concern about the EC’s intentions regarding the future of cohesion policy and the continued functioning of the Cohesion Fund in its current form.

He also recalled that his Ministry has developed and adopted a maritime spatial plan. The plan aims to ensure predictability and security in maritime spaces, promote coordination and synergy between different uses, and reduce negative impacts from human activity. The goal is to support blue growth and improve the well-being of coastal communities through collaboration among governance, science and business in creating new knowledge, services and marine biotechnology.

The blue economy includes a wide range of sea-related activities such as fishing and aquaculture, exploration and extraction of resources, shipping and maritime transport, coastal and marine tourism, and industries that use or produce goods and services from marine resources, including seafood processing, marine biotechnology, shipbuilding and repair, port operations and equipment manufacturing.