The environmental legal framework for the development of blue energy in Europe

Abstract

The objectives of this contribution are to describe and assess the legal obstacles for ocean energy development in Europe. On the one hand, we analyze the impact of the law of the sea, pay special attention to maritime safety issues. On the other, we deal with the EU environmental legislation on nature and biodiversity, together with the cross-cutting strategic tools. And finally, we focus on the obstacles due to the protection of the marine environment. This article was undertaken within the framework of the research project “La Unión Europea y el Derecho del Mar” (DER2013-45995-R) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the COST Action IS 1105, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).