Blue Flag Welcomes European Parliament Support for the Future of the Programme
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) welcomes a cross-party initiative by 30 Members of the European Parliament calling on the European Commission to safeguard the future of the Blue Flag Programme in Europe.
This effort is led by a Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair of the S&D Group, Mr. Yannis Maniatis, after he was contacted by FEE and informed about the potential riks to the Bue Flag Programme arising from the implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/825 (Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition – EmpCo). The coalition of MEPs has submitted a formal parliamentary question to the European Commission and addressed a letter to the relevant European Commissioners, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the implementation of EmpCo does not unintentionally undermine one of Europe's most recognised environmental programmes.
Since its creation in 1987, Blue Flag has become a global symbol of environmental excellence, recognising beaches, marinas and tourism boats that meet high standards in water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility and environmental education. Today, the programme is implemented across 52 countries, with approximately 3,800 Blue Flag sites in 22 EU Member States, making a significant contribution to sustainable tourism and the implementation of European environmental policies.
In his intervention, Mr. Maniatis recognises the programme's long-standing contribution to the European Union's environmental objectives while raising concerns that the application of legislation originally designed for consumer products could create disproportionate administrative and financial burdens for municipalities responsible for implementing Blue Flag. Such unintended consequences could reduce participation in the programme and weaken its positive environmental and socio-economic impact.
The Blue Flag Programme has already been proactively preparing for the new regulatory landscape. FEE is working closely with National Operators, accreditation experts, and European stakeholders to strengthen the programme's governance and verification framework, ensuring alignment with the objectives of the EmpCo Directive while preserving the programme's accessibility, credibility, and effectiveness that have defined Blue Flag for nearly forty years
Across Europe, Blue Flag supports municipalities and coastal communities in delivering high environmental standards through rigorous international criteria, independent assessment, and ongoing compliance monitoring. The Programme contributes directly to EU objectives on bathing water quality, environmental education, accessibility, environmental management, and sustainable tourism.
In a written statement, Mr. Maniatis emphasizes:
"The institution of the "Blue Flag" is an extremely successful environmental initiative, which has proven its value for decades. It is not just a symbol of quality, but a tool for environmental protection, sustainable development and strengthening Greek and European tourism.
The Commission must immediately ensure that the implementation of the new legislation does not create unjustified obstacles to the continuation of a programme that is a European model of success."
"We greatly appreciate Mr. Maniatis' recognition of the value that Blue Flag brings to Europe's coasts, communities and tourism sector," said Johann Durand, International Blue Flag Director, at the Foundation for Environmental Education. "As a programme that has supported environmental excellence for almost four decades, we share the objective of strengthening consumer confidence through robust and credible certification. We look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue with the European Commission and other European institutions to ensure that the implementation of the Directive reinforces, rather than jeopardises, successful public-interest environmental programmes such as Blue Flag."
FEE will continue working collaboratively with European institutions, Member States, and partners to ensure that Blue Flag remains a trusted driver of cleaner beaches, healthier coastal environments, informed citizens, and sustainable tourism across Europe for generations to come.”
Blue Flag in Europe
Established in 1987
Present in 22 EU Member States
Around 3,800 awarded beaches, marinas and tourism boats
A Programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
Contributes to EU objectives on water quality, environmental education and sustainable tourism
Source in Greek: maniatis-paremvasi-eyrwvouli-gia-mellon-galazia-simaia