Maltese Commissioner unveils ambitious EU maritime policy

The EU yesterday launched an integrated maritime policy for member states comprising clear guidelines for all relevant areas, ranging from tourism and energy to climate change and fisheries.

This historic "new beginning" for the EU's maritime affairs was unveiled in a grand fashion in Brussels with a public activity outside the Commission's headquarters attracting hundreds of EU officials.

Standing next to Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Commissioner Joe Borg told a press conference that after two-and-a-half years of work and consultations, the Commission is now in a position to present to member states a concrete plan of action of how maritime affairs should be run.

"Our stakeholders have spoken and we have listened. This is a crucial first step for Europe's oceans and seas. Unlocking the potential and facing the challenges of a Maritime Europe will be our common goal. It will allow us to make the most of our maritime assets and will help Europe face some of the major challenges."

The Commission's blueprint, which delves into all sea-related activities in Europe, is accompanied by an action plan with more than 30 proposals to be implemented by the Commission and the EU's member states in the coming years. These cover a wide spectrum of issues ranging from maritime transport to the competitiveness of maritime businesses, employment, scientific research, fisheries and the protection of the marine environment.

"The Commission will continue to work with all the stakeholders concerned in order to translate this vision into reality," Dr Borg said.

Mr Barroso, who personally initiated this process and appointed the Maltese commissioner to chair a task force comprising 10 commissioners on the formulation of this policy, congratulated Dr Borg for his work.

"Our proposal for an integrated maritime policy has been designed to generate growth, jobs and sustainability. We conceived it to promote our common European interest and to seize all opportunities the oceans offer while acting in a sustainable manner. It is part and parcel of our strategy to modernise Europe and prepare it for the globalised world," he said.

Europe depends heavily on its maritime sector activities. According to the European Commission, the EU-27 has 70,000 kilometres of coastline with more than 40 per cent of the population living in coastal regions. Forty per cent of the EU's GDP is produced in its coastal regions. Over 60 per cent of European tourists chose the EU's coasts for their holiday destinations. The EU also has the strongest network of seaports worldwide and 40 per cent of the world's merchant fleet.

Action plan highlights

Member states to draw up national integrated maritime policy.

Promotion of cooperation between coastguards.

Take steps towards a more interoperable surveillance system.

Develop roadmap off maritime spatial planning.

Establishment of marine observation and data network.

New ports policy.

Reduce the levels of air pollution from ships.

Promote a certificate of maritime excellence.

Launch actions to adapt to climate change in coastal zones.

Establish a European Maritime Day.