The Bulgarian integrated maritime strategy is аn advanced, integrated and purposeful plan for the accomplishment of the strategic objectives and tasks of the National Strategy for Regional Development 2012-2022 and Bulgaria 2020 in the area of maritime policy. The consistency of this policy with the realities presented by the geographic location, the geopolitical and geostrategic areas of influence and interaction, has instigated Bulgaria to make a serious and thorough re-evaluation of its approach to the Black Sea.  

The idea behind the integrated maritime strategy is to foster sustainable growth in the maritime and coastal activities and sustainable utilization of the coastline and sea resources by creating a framework for effective implementation of spatial sea plans for the waters of the Black Sea and the integrated coastal management in the associated areas. The Bulgarian Black Sea coast, the characteristics of the Bulgarian shores, and the road, air, and water infrastructure built between the northernmost and the southernmost point of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, the industrial, transport, and tourist infrastructure, the fishing and shipping industries, together with all activities associated with them, create the conditions that allow Bulgaria not only to aspire for, but also to regard itself proudly as a maritime nation with all advantages which appertain to that – from the traditional nautical crafts to the modern notions of utilizing the sea as a resource and for communications. Being one of the six nations in the Black Sea region, Bulgaria has the second longest and one of the most beautiful coastal lines, as well as the potential to be among the major factors in the development of the Black Sea policy. Three Bulgarian districts sprawl along the Black Sea coast contributing to the strong economy of East Bulgaria. The economic activities related to the maritime life and the fact that Bulgaria belongs to the Black Sea countries are divided in various categories – industry, transport, tourism, agriculture and farming, all of which are to some extent dependent on the sea.

Main objective of Bulgaria’s national maritime strategy:

To turn Bulgaria into a powerful maritime nation in the coming years with a secure place among the countries participating in the fast economic growth of the region on the basis of the territorial, economic, and social integration of its geographically shaped portion of the Black Sea coast, by optimal utilization of the sea resources to improve the standard of living and to exploit in the most efficient way its geostrategic and geopolitical position. VISION: Bulgaria – a developed sea country with regional economic, social, and cultural presence of all seaside districts in the formation of the GDP and with contribution to the integrated maritime policy of the EU by 2020

Main objective of the Bulgarian national maritime strategy

To turn Bulgaria into a powerful maritime nation in the coming years with a secure place among the countries participating in the fast economic growth of the region on the basis of the territorial, economic, and social integration of its geographically shaped portion of the Black Sea coast, by optimal utilization of the sea resources to improve the standard of living and to exploit in the most efficient way its geostrategic and geopolitical position

Vision

Bulgaria – a developed sea country with regional economic, social, and cultural presence of all seaside districts in the formation of the GDP and with contribution to the integrated maritime policy of the EU by 2020