Proposal of the Spatial Plan of the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea presented

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bačić and his associates presented, within first public consultation, the Proposal of the Spatial Plan of the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Croatia in the Adriatic Sea.

The Plan is a strategic document which, for the first time, comprehensively defines maritime spatial planning of the Republic of Croatia, with an emphasis on natural resources management, marine ecosystem protection and economic activity development in accordance with European and international standards. The Plan addresses key issues such as sustainable fisheries, maritime traffic development and environmental protection. The objective of the document is to establish balance between economic development and conserving the Adriatic Sea as a unique natural and national resource.

By recalling the context and historical process of proclaiming the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) itself, Minister Bačić emphasised that this Spatial Plan finally defines our sovereign rights over the Adriatic, in accordance with international conventions. It entails programme starting points and a framework for activities referring to: aquaculture areas, fishing areas, installations and infrastructure for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the northern Adriatic area, maritime transport routes and traffic flows, military training areas, the positioning of submarine cables and pipelines, sites for nature and species conservation, as well as protected marine areas, areas for scientific research and the protection of underwater cultural heritage.

The EEZ Spatial Plan is fundamental for strategic management of national maritime space and its presentation in Dubrovnik marks the beginning of a new phase of responsible and sustainable development of the Adriatic.

“The Spatial Plan of the Exclusive Economic Zone is a key document for the future of our sea and coast. It clearly defines the use of the Adriatic Sea in the decades to come - from the protection of natural resources to economic development based on sustainability. With this Plan, Croatia demonstrated that it can simultaneously conserve the environment and enable new economic opportunities for local communities and the entire state,” the Minister pointed out.

Following the Minister’s introductory presentation, the Proposal of the EEZ Spatial Plan was further presented by Director of Institute for Spatial Development Bojan Linardić. He explained the fundamental objectives of the Spatial Plan to the audience, which can be summarised as follows: focusing on marine ecosystem conservation by protecting biodiversity, ensuring sustainable fisheries and conserving vulnerable habitats and by responsible management of natural resources. The development of maritime traffic is oriented towards aligning traffic infrastructure with environmental standards and regional needs.

The importance of adopting this Plan was also pointed out by Marina Oreb, Director of Institute for Physical Planning of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, who stated that “this Plan is not merely a technical document, it is also a pledge to future generations because it shows we know how to plan in a responsible way, with a long-term perspective and in accordance with the interests of the Republic of Croatia.”

The representatives of state institutions, scientific community, local authorities and the economy sector took part in the process of developing the Spatial Plan, which ensures

transparency and alignment of interests. The Plan is developed in accordance with Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning, and Croatia is hence placed among Member States which systematically develop maritime governance models.

The Spatial Plan will also be presented in Split, Zadar and Rijeka, and you can participate in the public consultation until September 30, 2025.

During the visit to Dubrovnik, Minister Branko Bačić also held a meeting with Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković and Dubrovnik-Neretva County Prefect Blaž Pezo. They discussed current projects and investments in the county area. The county prefect and the mayor both commended the adoption of the Plan, which will be an additional guarantee of sovereignty, sustainability and responsible management of the Adriatic - which is of vital importance for southern Croatia.

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