Application procedure

Who can apply?

For beaches, the municipality can apply for the Blue Flag. For marinas, the marina owner can apply. 

(Information on applying for the Blue Flag for Boats or Whale-watching boats can be found in their respective criteria section.)

Application procedure 

The responsible local authority files the application form (with enclosed documentation) and sends it to the National Jury. The National Jury evaluates applications for compliance with the Blue Flag criteria and gives an approval or rejection on the national level. In special cases the National Jury can recommend a dispensation.

Approved applications and dispensation cases are forwarded from the National Jury to the International Jury. The International Jury carries out an evaluation and decides which beaches and marinas to award the Blue Flag for the season.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Blue Flag a beach/marina has to fulfill all imperative requirements. In addition, the fulfillment of a maximum number of guideline criteria for beaches and marinas is taken into account.

Beaches are reminded that approved bathing water data from the previous year has to be submitted with the application documents.

Award for one season

All Blue Flags are awarded for one season only. By renewing awards each season the Programme ensures that beaches/marinas are constantly living up to the criteria.  

Compliance with the criteria during the season

The local authority is obliged to ensure compliance with the criteria whenever flying with the Blue Flag. 

During the season, the National Environmental Protection Agency moniters the bathing water quality data. The National Organisation and the International Blue Flag Coordination are furthermore performing control visits to the Blue Flag sites.

Visitors and guests at Blue Flag beaches/marinas are also good observers of compliance with the Blue Flag criteria at the sites.

In all cases of non-compliance with imperative criteria, the Blue Flag will be withdrawn.