The Resolution on the Maritime Orientation of the Republic of Slovenia (1991) defines the Republic of Slovenia as a maritime country, geographically located in the north-western part of the semi-enclosed Adriatic Sea. In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982), Slovenia can be defined as a country with geographically unfavorable positions. Slovenia in placed in a subordinate position at sea in confront with Croatia and Italy. The European Union supports the establishment of Exclusive Economic Zones, thus implementing action plans on an integrated maritime policy. Such policies are also followed by many other coastal states, as they secure control of a larger area of sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters adjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents and winds (UNCLOS, Article 56) The establishment of exclusive economic zones will affect the operation of SAF naval vessels. Through the analysis of conventions and examples of understanding of the legal regulations of the Exclusive Economic Zone by other coastal states, solutions will be given for adapting the operation of SAF naval vessels in the newly established Exclusive Economic Zones in the Adriatic Sea.
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