The HELCOM-VASAB Baltic Sea Broad–scale Maritime Spatial Planning Principles​ were adopted by HELCOM and VASAB in the end of 2010, fulfilling the commitment set out in the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan on creating MSP principles.
The following ten principles provide guidance for achieving better coherence in the development of MSP systems in the Baltic Sea Region:
Sustainable management
Ecosystem approach
Long term perspective and objectives
Precautionary Principle
Participation and Transparency
High quality data and information basis
Transnational coordination and consultation
Coherent terrestrial and maritime spatial planning
Planning adapted to characteristics and special conditions at different areas
Continuous planning
