Blue Flag 2027: the roadmap for the new certification scheme
From the 2027 season, Blue Flag moves from a 4-category scheme to one built around 7 topics and 106 distributed criteria, with three entirely new blocks: Climate Action, Accessibility and Responsible Wildlife Interaction. Sail Training Vessels are also formally separated from tourism boats for the first time. This section brings together, topic by topic, what changes and what stays the same for already-certified beaches, marinas, tourism boats and sail training vessels.
What changes, in one table
Current scheme vs. new scheme| Current scheme (through 2026) | New scheme (from 2027) | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 4 categories | 7 topics / 6 key areas |
| Criteria volume | ~33 (beaches) / ~38 (marinas) | 106, distributed by category and activity |
| Site categories | Beaches, Marinas, boat tourism operators | Beaches, Marinas, Tourism Boats (TB), Sail Training Vessels (STV) |
| Social dimension | Not covered | Social Responsibility Plan |
| Wildlife | General principle | Its own topic, exclusive to TB, with activity-specific rules |
The 7 topics, one by one
Plus the sail training vessels sheetInformation, Education and Engagement
Social Responsibility is added, and digital platforms are recognised as a valid channel.
2Climate Action
A completely new topic: shore power at the dock, renewable energy, climate risk and adaptation.
3Ecosystem and Biodiversity
What used to live scattered within "Environmental Management" becomes its own topic.
4Pollution Prevention
The largest topic in the scheme: bilge water, microplastics, light and noise pollution.
5Accessibility
A completely new topic, with the "Accessible Beach Point" for beaches.
6Safety and Services
The topic with the fewest changes: direct continuity of what already exists today.
7Responsible Wildlife Interaction
The most disruptive change, exclusive to tourism boats.
+Sail Training Vessels
A new category, separated from tourism excursion boats.
Timeline
The road to the 2027 seasonConsultation with national operators
Final operator feedback (June 2026)
Final approval by FEE
Entry into force (2027 season)
Have specific questions about the new scheme?
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