Blue Flag International introduces a transitional award approach for 2026–2027 period to facilitate regulatory alignment and Programme continuity
Copenhagen, Denmark, 28th of April 2026 — Blue Flag International, a Programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), announces the introduction of a transitional two-year award covering the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This temporary mechanism responds to evolving international requirements and EU regulatory developments, notably ISO/IEC 17065:2012 and Directive (EU) 2024/825.
The temporary two-year award is regulatory-driven and not related to Programme performance. It is designed to maintain Blue Flag’s credibility, integrity, and internationally recognised standards while facilitating alignment with evolving external requirements.
How does the transition work?
Under this transition:
The Blue Flag awarded in 2026 remains valid for the 2027 season, subject to continued compliance, annual monitoring, and annual review
A full reapplication is not required in 2027 for awarded sites
In 2027, National Juries will conduct a focused annual evaluation, followed by International Jury confirmation
Annual monitoring and on-site visits continue in both years
Programme standards, criteria, and level of scrutiny remain unchanged
No changes to fees or national financial models apply during 2026–2027
For new applicants in 2027:
Applications are limited to non-EU countries, in line with regulatory timelines
All new applicants undergo full application and evaluation
Award is granted until new requirements take effect, expected season 2028
Maintaining clarity and credibility
While award spans the 2026 and 2027 seasons, Blue Flag sites will continue to operate on a seasonal basis, according to their established processes.
Award remains:
Conditional on continued compliance
Subject to annual monitoring and evaluation
The Blue Flag may still be withdrawn if criteria are not met.
This transition does not:
Reduce requirements, monitoring, or oversight
Introduce automatic renewal
Change the level of scrutiny applied
In specific cases, award decisions may be taken pending final Bathing Water Quality (BWQ) results, in order to align with EU reporting timelines.
In such cases:
Final award is strictly conditional on official, validated BWQ data
Award will only be confirmed once compliance is verified
What this transition means
This two-year award:
Is:
A temporary, regulatory-driven mechanism (2026–2027)
A step to facilitate alignment with evolving EU and international certification frameworks
A measure to ensure continuity and stability across the global network
Is not:
A response to performance concerns
A reduction in Programme standards or governance
·A permanent change of the award model
Looking ahead
The transition provides time for alignment with evolving expectations and the development of updated Blue Flag criteria planned for implementation from 2028 onwards.
Future award arrangements will be communicated once regulatory processes are clarified.
Leadership statements
“This transition allows Blue Flag to meet evolving regulatory expectations while maintaining the Programme’s credibility, oversight, and global consistency,” said Johann Durand, Blue Flag International Director.
“This is a responsible and forward-looking step to protect Blue Flag’s integrity while supporting our global network through an important regulatory transition,” said Daniel Schaffer, CEO of FEE.
“Education for sustainable development, strong governance, and continuity remain at the core of Blue Flag throughout this transition,” said Nikos Petrou, President of FEE.
Governance and support
Governance bodies remain fully engaged throughout the transition, including:
National Operators
National Juries
The International Jury
Blue Flag International will continue to provide guidance, tools, and communication support to ensure consistent implementation across all participating countries.
Media Contact
Tiana Lightfoot Svendsen
FEE Communications Manager
tiana@fee.global