Greece has submitted its long-awaited maritime spatial plan to the European Union, outlining how it will organize various maritime activities such as fishing, tourism, offshore energy, and more.
This submission comes after a series of delays that drew criticism from the European Commission and led to a ruling from the EU Court of Justice in February, which found that Greece had violated EU regulations by failing to finalize its plan by the March 2021 deadline.
The maritime spatial plan is critical for managing activities in Greece’s vast and strategically important maritime areas. It sets out where specific activities, including fishing, sea transport, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy projects, can take place, helping to ensure sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of ecosystems from overfishing and pollution. These plans are a requirement under EU law for the protection and sustainable management of marine and coastal areas.
The Greek government acknowledged the delays, attributing them to the challenges posed by the country's extensive coastline, numerous islands, and complex geopolitical conditions in the eastern Mediterranean. The plan, however, does not include any exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which Greece and its neighbors, including Turkey, are still negotiating. While Greece has established EEZs with Italy and Egypt, talks with Turkey regarding maritime boundaries remain unresolved due to ongoing disputes over mineral rights in the Aegean Sea and the issue of Cyprus.
Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and WWF, have long pressured Greece to deliver its maritime spatial plan, accusing the government of neglecting the environmental aspects of maritime management. The submission of the plan is seen as a positive step toward fulfilling Greece's obligations under EU law, but it remains to be seen how effectively it will address the ecological concerns raised by environmental organizations.
The EU now awaits Greece's formal approval of the spatial plans, with the expectation that they will serve as a framework for sustainable and coordinated use of Greece's maritime areas while also facilitating ongoing discussions with neighboring countries on maritime zones.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran e...
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective ...
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting ins...
Azerbaijan is evacuating nearly 200 people from the Middle East on a special charter flight departing from Oman...
Up to 30 tonnes of food will be delivered to Iran amidst ongoing hostilities with U.S. and Israel, following a phone converstation between the ...
Australia’s move to ban social media access for children under 16 has intensified a global debate, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
Türkiye and Greece signalled renewed political will to ease long-standing tensions during high-level talks in Ankara on Wednesday (11 February). Maritime borders, migration and trade topped the agenda as both leaders struck a cautiously optimistic tone.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis oversaw the signing of seven cooperation agreements in Ankara on 11 February 2026, marking a further step in efforts to stabilise and deepen ties between the two NATO allies.
Greek authorities said they have arrested a member of the armed forces on suspicion of leaking highly sensitive military information to foreign handlers allegedly linked to China.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a hardline cleric with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise signals continuity in Tehran's anti-Western policies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment