A new study from the European Commission reveals economic and social benefits of having an integrated Maritime Spatial planning approach. The blue economy has become a pillar for Europe's welfare and prosperity. It represents all economic activities and sectors related to oceans, seas and coasts. European Commission has undertaken a series of steps via initiatives to ensure a sustainable development of the maritime economy. Nevertheless, maritime space is in high demand making maritime space planning a determining factor in the development of maritime sectors. The competing needs of the established and emerging sectors, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, tourism as well as multiple pressures put on coastal resources by an increasing population, call for an integrated planning and management approach. The European Commission put together a comprehensive study with the objective to showcase the economic and social benefits of having an integrated Maritime Spatial planning approach. For more information please visit: https://ec.europa.eu/easme/en/news/study-reveals-how-maritime-spatial-planning-benefits-blue-economy