# IMMC.EESC-2020-05152-AC.ENG.xhtml.EESC-2020-05152-00-00-AC-TRA-EN.docx

EN

NAT/801

NAT/801

An updated action plan for the Atlantic maritime strategy

An updated action plan for the Atlantic maritime strategy

OPINION


  European Economic and Social Committee-


  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on A new approach to the Atlantic maritime strategy – Atlantic action plan 2.0

  An updated action plan for a sustainable, resilient and competitive blue economy in the European Union Atlantic area
  [COM(2020) 329]

OPINION

European Economic and Social Committee-

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on A new approach to the Atlantic maritime strategy – Atlantic action plan 2.0

An updated action plan for a sustainable, resilient and competitive blue economy in the European Union Atlantic area
  [COM(2020) 329]

Rapporteur: Carlos Manuel Trindade

Rapporteur: Carlos Manuel Trindade

Referral

| Referral | Commission, 23/09/2020 |
| --- | --- |
| Legal basis | Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| | |
| | |
| Section responsible | Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment |
| Adoption in section | 11/01/2021 |
| Adopted at plenary | 27/01/2021 |
| Plenary session No | 557 |
| Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions) | 257/0/7 |

Referral

Commission, 23/09/2020

Commission, 23/09/2020

Legal basis

Legal basis

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Section responsible

Section responsible

Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment

Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment

Adoption in section

Adoption in section

11/01/2021

11/01/2021

Adopted at plenary

Adopted at plenary

27/01/2021

27/01/2021

Plenary session No

Plenary session No

557

557

Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions)

Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions)

257/0/7

257/0/7

1.Conclusions and recommendations

1.

Conclusions and recommendations

1.1The EESC agrees with the Commission’s assessment that the Atlantic maritime area under the jurisdiction of EU Member States is a key factor in the economic and social development of these countries, as well as of the EU as a whole. According to the latest data available, set out in the Communication from the Commission, in 2017 the Atlantic blue economy generated EUR 73.4 billion in gross value added (GVA) and employed 1.29 million people
  1
  .

1.1

The EESC agrees with the Commission’s assessment that the Atlantic maritime area under the jurisdiction of EU Member States is a key factor in the economic and social development of these countries, as well as of the EU as a whole. According to the latest data available, set out in the Communication from the Commission, in 2017 the Atlantic blue economy generated EUR 73.4 billion in gross value added (GVA) and employed 1.29 million people

1

.

1.2The EESC also points out that where environmental sustainability is concerned, the crucial role of the ocean in decarbonisation, producing oxygen, feeding humans and combating climate change and acidification is recognised by the EU and the UN.

1.2

The EESC also points out that where environmental sustainability is concerned, the crucial role of the ocean in decarbonisation, producing oxygen, feeding humans and combating climate change and acidification is recognised by the EU and the UN.

1.3Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, the heightened importance of the blue economy in driving European recovery and safeguarding and creating jobs has been recognised.

1.4The EESC welcomes the creation of this Atlantic action plan 2.0 on account of the contribution it will make to economic recovery, safeguarding and creating jobs, while also boosting the preservation of coastal and marine ecosystems and contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

1.5Linking action plan 2.0 to the principles of the European Green Deal underlines the central role of the blue economy in pursuing sustainability objectives.

1.6The EESC also takes a very positive view of the European Commission's approach to the Atlantic: the role of ports in the sustainable development of coastal tourism, aquaculture, shipbuilding, ocean renewable energy and innovation; building blue skills thanks to a drive for high-quality ocean literacy; the role of marine renewable energy as a vehicle for the energy transition; and a drive for a healthy ocean and resilient coasts.

1.7The EESC, however, proposes a more comprehensive vision, making room for projects that harness the natural interaction between the areas matching the different pillars.

1.8The EESC also recommends focusing on maritime spatial planning and management, since without a duly planned maritime space it will be difficult to successfully ensure the sustainable development of the blue economy, from the point of view of both the environment and project investment. The EESC believes that proper Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) promotes the sustainable growth of maritime economies and of use of marine resources through better management of conflicts between activities and greater synergy between different maritime activities, in line with the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 15 January 2020 on giving the European Green Deal a blue dimension.

1.9The EESC believes that the action plan should set out the broad guidelines for partnerships on a transatlantic basis, as the Atlantic basin has several shores and the ocean has no borders. It is, however, understood that the development of the blue economy is intended to promote projects in the maritime space under the sovereignty of the EU coastal states.

1.10The EESC is critical of the lack of objectives and measures concerning fisheries and tourism, and recommends that the Commission give greater weight to these activities in the plan.

1.11The EESC also regrets that the Commission has not defined specific measures or objectives for archipelagic areas, since these are outermost regions where the sea economy weighs even more significantly than in the rest of the Atlantic region. For this reason, it recommends that Commission include such measures and objectives in the plan.

1.12The EESC advocates clearly defining objectives and rules with regard to partnerships between Member States and non-EU countries. The EESC considers that, in addition to the rules between Member States, particular emphasis should be placed on the framework for partnerships with European third countries: the United Kingdom, Norway and Iceland. It considers that, especially in the case of the United Kingdom, particular attention should be paid to measures that prevent information from being lost and cooperation from being undermined.

1.13Where funding is concerned, the EESC considers that in such a key document as the Atlantic maritime strategy, in addition to simply listing the sources of funding, the broad guidelines for the approval of projects should also be set out.

1.14The EESC proposes that innovation, scientific research, ecological sustainability, the contribution to social development and location within a properly-planned maritime space be included in the terms of reference for financing decisions, in line with a matrix containing clearly-defined indicators.

1.15The EESC strongly recommends establishing a dedicated funding line for projects developed under action plan 2.0, as exists for other sectors of activity receiving European public funding. Otherwise, there is the risk they will be relegated to applying to funding schemes where they are not the core of the programmes.

1.16The EESC considers that taking on board the recommendations set out in this opinion concerning the evaluation and financing of projects and their supervision and monitoring will help to enhance the quality and scale of the social, economic and environmental results to be achieved by implementing Atlantic action plan 2.0.

1.17Lastly, the EESC considers that the recommendations set out in previous EESC opinions increase the chances of success in implementing the plan, particularly as regards creating an Atlantic macro-region and re-establishing the Atlantic Forum.

2.Background

2.1The Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic Ocean Area
  2
  was adopted in 2011 with the aim of supporting the sustainable development of the blue economy in the EU Member States bordering the Atlantic and, with a view to its implementation, the European Commission presented an Atlantic action plan in 2013
  3
  .

2.2The EESC analysed each of these instruments and issued two opinions with relevant conclusions and recommendations
  4
  (some of which are of strategic importance for Europe's economic, social and environmental development, such as the possible creation of the Atlantic macro-region, along the lines of the Baltic Sea and Danube regions), and they remain topical and relevant.

2.3Since then, a number of sectoral strategies have been defined which have had an effect on the capacity to achieve the objectives of the Atlantic maritime strategy and boosted implementation of the action plan: these include the European Green Deal
  5
  adopted by the European Commission in December 2019; the new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
  6
  ; and the Farm to Fork Strategy
  7
  .

2.4In view of these developments, and in order to respond to the unprecedented socio-economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Commission considers it necessary to update the priorities for regional cooperation and give a new boost to a sustainable maritime economy that can create jobs.

2.5For the same purpose, the European Commission has adopted measures to help repair social and economic damage, boost European recovery and protect and create jobs, and has presented a new recovery instrument called Next Generation EU
  8
  .

2.6The EESC points out that the EU's efforts focus on the concept of sustainability, with the aim of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

2.7The new sectoral strategies highlight the central role of the blue economy as a key driver for the sustainable development of the EU and the planet and for mitigating the effects of climate change.

2.8The Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions presents a "new approach to the Atlantic maritime strategy – Atlantic action plan 2.0", providing an "updated action plan for a sustainable, resilient and competitive blue economy in the European Union Atlantic area"
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  .

2.9The Commission explains that this revised action plan is based on a mid-term review
  11
  of the previous one, and on consultations with stakeholders and Member States in the Atlantic region. The review showed the previous plan had created more than 1 200 maritime projects and nearly EUR 6 billion of investments, mostly from the EU budget.

2.10The EESC notes with interest that one of the conclusions of this review was "... the need for improvements regarding the thematic focus of the plan, the governance structure and the introduction of a monitoring framework"
  12
  , which were recommendations of the EESC opinions mentioned above.

3.A new approach to the Atlantic maritime strategy – Atlantic action plan 2.0

3.1The European Commission sets the main objective of the Atlantic action plan 2.0 as developing and unlocking the potential of the blue economy in the Atlantic area, with high job creation potential for coastal regions, while preserving marine ecosystems and contributing to climate change mitigation, in line with the global commitments on sustainable development and the political priorities for 2019-2024, including the European Green Deal.

3.2Action plan 2.0 is organised in four thematic pillars, with the aim of achieving seven objectives through practical actions mobilising all Atlantic stakeholders.

3.3Pillar I is based on promoting Atlantic ports as gateways and hubs for the blue economy.

3.3.1The starting point for this pillar is that ports and their operators have an important part to play in the sustainable development of core blue economy activities: coastal tourism, aquaculture, shipbuilding and emerging activities such as ocean renewable energy. They can act as catalysts for innovation in these and other blue activities.

3.3.2It is expected that ports, interacting with each other, will be able to mobilise funding for smart infrastructure and contribute to the decarbonisation of maritime sources.

3.3.3The plan lays down that two specific goals are to be achieved through the concrete actions set out: "ports as gateways for trade in the Atlantic" and "ports as catalysts for business".

3.4Pillar II focuses on creating an appropriate set of future-proof blue skills and ocean literacy as a way to attract young talent to the blue economy and also increase competitiveness.

3.4.1At the heart of this pillar is the need to create more educated and better informed generations.

3.4.2To this end, action plan 2.0 lays down "quality education, training and life-long learning" and consolidating "ocean literacy" as the specific goals for this pillar.

3.5Pillar III focuses on marine renewable energy as a key element for the transition to a climate‐neutral economy.

3.5.1The Communication states that the EU Atlantic region is the leader in and testbed for the development of novel marine renewables, and that "[t]o reach the next step of development, namely the commercial maturity of successful prototypes, [it] is essential to maintain technological leadership, retain talent and provide affordable clean energy while taking into account potential impacts on the marine environment and the way to mitigate them".

3.5.2Action plan 2.0 lays down that one specific goal is to be achieved through the concrete actions set out: "the promotion of carbon neutrality through marine renewable energy".

3.6Pillar IV focuses on a healthy ocean and resilient coasts.

3.6.1The intensity of human activities on the EU Atlantic coast makes it vulnerable.

3.6.2This is compounded by the negative effects of severe storms, floods, erosion and the continued and rapid rise in sea levels, which tend to worsen as a result of climate change generating an increase in extreme weather events.

3.6.3Noise and marine pollution, particularly from plastics, are reaching very high levels, undermining natural capital and economic activities.

3.6.4The action plan identifies the need for climate risk management and adaptation measures, as well as support for the circular economy, zero pollution, energy efficiency and biodiversity preservation, as guiding principles for development and employment.

3.6.5To pursue this approach, action plan 2.0 sets the specific objectives of this pillar as the creation of "stronger coastal resilience" and "the fight against marine pollution".

3.7Regarding governance of the action plan, measures are laid down for implementation and reporting, and for mobilising funds and financing.

3.7.1Concerning coordination, there are two levels: political coordination, a matter for the designated ministers for maritime affairs of the Member States making up the Atlantic area; and regional coordination, ensured by the Atlantic Strategy Committee, which can involve representatives of coastal regions or other representatives.

3.7.2With regard to implementation and reporting, rules are laid down to clarify the procedures.

3.7.2.1A set of key conditions for implementing the action plan and for the monitoring and reporting mechanism is established for both public and private stakeholders, and the shared responsibility of the EU and the Member States involved is underlined.

3.7.2.2The purpose of the monitoring and evaluation mechanism is to measure how far the goals of the action plan have been achieved, and future amendments to the action plan will be made in consequence.

3.7.3With regard to mobilising funds and financing, a number of observations are made that should be highlighted.

3.7.3.1It is underlined that no funding is earmarked in the EU budget for the Atlantic action plan, relying mainly on any EU and national funds and financial instruments that can be mobilised.

3.7.3.2The funds, programmes and mechanisms that can be used by EU Member States and coastal regions are listed.

4.General comments

4.1The EESC takes a positive view of the European Commission's initiative to present an updated Atlantic action plan, incorporating the various recently adopted European sectoral strategies.

4.2The EESC welcomes the fact that, in the present revised plan, the Commission has incorporated the comments and recommendations made by the EESC in its opinions on the strategy for the Atlantic area and the previous action plan, particularly as regards the thematic approach, governance structure and monitoring framework.

4.3The EESC welcomes the more structured approach of action plan 2.0, which defines the steps to be implemented by thematic area, as a result of the mid-term review and bottom-up consultations.

4.4The EESC highlights the way the thematic areas are aligned with the European sustainability objectives as regards the development of blue economy activities, the creation of skilled jobs and ocean literacy, the promotion of decarbonisation and clean energy transition and the restoration and protection of natural capital and coastal ecosystems.

4.5The EESC recommends that, with regard to the creation of blue skills, measures be introduced to better harness professional experience when defining training courses for maritime occupations.

4.6However, the EESC regrets the lack of objectives and measures concerning fisheries and tourism, as these are the two blue economy activities that make the greatest contribution to GVA and job creation, as well as in terms of impact on the marine ecosystem, in the areas directly covered by the Atlantic region. It therefore recommends that the Commission give greater prominence to these activities in order to plug this gap.

4.7The EESC also regrets that the Commission has not defined specific measures and objectives for archipelagic areas, since these are outermost regions where the sea economy weighs even more significantly than in the rest of the Atlantic region. For this reason, it recommends that the Commission include such measures and objectives in the plan.

4.8The EESC draws attention to the greater quality and transparency resulting from the introduction of a monitoring framework which will make it possible to adjust future amendments to the plan in the light of its actual implementation and the extent to which the objectives have been met.

4.9The EESC regrets that the Commission has not taken on board the recommendations of previous EESC opinions to develop an Atlantic macro-region along the lines of those existing in the Danube and the Baltic Sea, or to preserve the Atlantic Forum.

5.Specific comments

5.1The EESC considers that the compliance of action plan 2.0 with the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) needs to be examined
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  .

5.2The IMP is a policy framework to promote the sustainable development of all maritime activities and coastal regions by improving the coordination of policies on oceans, seas, islands, coastal and outermost regions and maritime sectors, and by developing cross-cutting instruments.

5.3The main aims and areas of action under the IMP are: maximising the sustainable use of the oceans and seas; building a knowledge and innovation base for the maritime policy; delivering the highest quality of life in coastal regions; promoting Europe's leadership in international maritime affairs and, at European level, through the European Neighbourhood Policy; and raising the visibility of maritime Europe.

5.4The IMP covers the following convergent areas of action: blue growth
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  ; knowledge and data on the marine environment
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  ; maritime spatial planning; and integrated maritime surveillance.

5.5The EESC recommends that the information, data and knowledge produced in this context be freely accessible – free of charge – for organisations, the scientific community and education and for projects in areas relating to the sea, even if subject to confidentiality or reserve conditions where this might be necessary. In this setting, the EESC recommends closer coordination between the various monitoring bodies in the Atlantic region with a view to establishing efficient, accessible and interoperable databases.

5.6The EESC considers that such a key document as the Atlantic maritime strategy must be clear and concise as regards the objectives and the way in which it proposes to achieve them. To this end, the EESC recommends that the document go into greater detail regarding issues that appear crucial for such a strategic document.

5.7The EESC considers that action plan 2.0 attaches great importance and value to the blue economy and knowledge, which is to be welcomed. However, it is recommended that due consideration be given to the importance of maritime spatial planning and management and international partnerships.

5.8Turning to maritime spatial planning and management, the increasing human impact on the oceans, together with the rapid growth in demand and competition for maritime space for different purposes such as fishing, offshore renewable energy installations and ecosystem conservation, have highlighted the urgent need for integrated ocean management and the establishment of a framework for maritime spatial planning (MSP)
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  .

5.8.1The EESC believes that proper MSP promotes the sustainable growth of maritime economies and of use of marine resources through better conflict management and greater synergy between different maritime activities, in line with the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 15 January 2020 on giving the European Green Deal a blue dimension.

5.8.2Creating a common European MSP framework offers a range of benefits: it makes it easier to reduce conflicts between sectors and creates synergies between different activities; encourages investment by creating predictability, transparency and clearer rules; increases cross-border cooperation between Member States to develop energy production platforms and grids, shipping lanes, pipelines, submarine cables and other activities, but also to develop coherent networks of protected areas; and protects the environment through early identification of impact and opportunities for multiple use of space.

5.8.3Promoting the definition of maritime spatial planning schemes and enhancing MSP, meeting the 2021 deadline for its establishment, together with coordination between the different Member States, contributes to all the environmental, social and economic sustainability objectives of the Atlantic maritime strategy and the IMP.

5.8.4To this end, the EESC considers that action plan 2.0 of the Atlantic maritime strategy should take full account of this issue: otherwise, it will be difficult to successfully ensure the sustainable development of the blue economy, both from an environmental and social point of view and from the point of view of project investment.

5.8.5The EESC recommends that action plan 2.0 place greater emphasis on the importance of maritime spatial planning for the development of the blue economy, in particular with regard to pillars I, II and IV.

5.8.6The EESC also recommends that the planned monitoring and evaluation be carried out in the context of MSP, in accordance with the respective indicators, making it a precondition for access to funding that projects be located in a properly-planned maritime space.

5.9The EESC advocates clearly defining objectives and rules with regard to partnerships between Member States and non-EU countries.

5.9.1The Atlantic basin has several shores and the ocean has no borders. The EESC therefore believes that social, environmental and economic partnerships, as well as innovation and scientific research, should be considered on equal terms under the four pillars of action plan 2.0.

5.9.2The EESC considers that, in addition to the rules between Member States, particular emphasis should be placed on the framework for partnerships with European third countries: the United Kingdom, Norway and Iceland. It considers that, especially in the case of the United Kingdom, particular attention should be paid to measures that prevent information from being lost and cooperation from being undermined.

5.9.3The EESC recommends that, while it believes that the development of the blue economy is intended to promote projects in the maritime space under the sovereignty of the EU coastal states, the Atlantic maritime strategy action plan include the definition of broad guidelines for partnerships on a transatlantic basis, concerning both partnerships with the coastal states on the Atlantic shores of America and with African countries
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  .

5.10With regard to the mobilisation of funds and financing, the EESC also recommends that action plan 2.0 clearly and unambiguously spell out the sources of funding, the rules for allocating funding and how project performance can be monitored and evaluated.

5.10.1The EESC welcomes the fact that, as stated in the European Commission's communication, successful implementation of the actions identified in the Action Plan will require public investment from national and EU budgets to be combined with private funds.

5.10.2To this end, a list of the funds and programmes that can be used by Member States and their coastal regions is provided. The EESC recommends that this list be exhaustive, including other funding mechanisms, such as the EEA Grants mechanism
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  , which will be particularly useful in future partnerships with third countries in Europe.

5.10.3The EESC considers that such a key document as the Atlantic maritime strategy, in addition to simply listing the sources of funding, should also indicate broadly how project approval decisions are made.

5.10.4The EESC recommends establishing a monitoring and evaluation matrix with clearly-defined indicators, including innovation, scientific research, ecological sustainability, contribution to social development and integration into a planned maritime space, which will be the reference point for financing decisions.

5.10.5The EESC strongly advises establishing a dedicated funding line, as is the case for other European basins and other sectors of activity receiving European public funding. Implementing the Atlantic action plan is not in fact the primary objective of any of the listed funds and programmes, which weakens its capacity to deliver.

Brussels, 27 January 2021

Christa SCHWENG

The president of the European Economic and Social Committee

*

- *

N.B.: Appendix overleaf.

APPENDIX I

ATLANTIC REGION
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APPENDIX I (cont.)

ATLANTIC REGION – Outermost regions

APPENDIX II

Regional (NUTS 2) GDP per capita

PPS (purchasing power standards), EU28

REGION

| REGION | 2009 | 2017 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PORTUGAL | | |
| North | 63.6 | 65 |
| Algarve | 84.6 | 83 |
| Centre | 66.5 | 67 |
| Lisbon | 112.4 | 100 |
| Alentejo | 72.2 | 72 |
| Autonomous Region of the Azores | 75.2 | 68 |
| Autonomous Region of Madeira | 104.9 | 73 |
| SPAIN | | |
| Canary Islands | 87.3 | 75 |
| Andalucia | 79.1 | 68 |
| Galicia | 92.7 | 82 |
| Principality of Asturias | 95.8 | 82 |
| Cantabria | 100.0 | 83 |
| Basque Country | 134.4 | 121 |
| FRANCE | | |
| Aquitaine | 96.3 | 91 |
| Poitou-Charentes | 86.4 | 83 |
| Pays-de-la-Loire | 96.4 | 94 |
| Brittany | 90.5 | 88 |
| Lower Normandy | 84.1 | 81 |
| Upper Normandy | 93.0 | 88 |
| UNITED KINGDOM | | |
| Cornwall and Isles of Scilly | 71.9 | 68 |
| Devon | 86.5 | 77 |
| Hampshire and Isle of Wight | 110.3 | 104 |
| Dorset and Somerset | 93.5 | 81 |
| East Wales | 99.3 | 94 |
| West Wales and the Valleys | 68.4 | 66 |
| Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area | 114.1 | 106 |
| Merseyside | 79.2 | 79 |
| Lancashire | 83.4 | 84 |
| Cheshire | 113.1 | 128 |
| Cumbria | 87.6 | 89 |
| South Western Scotland | 99.9 | |
| Highlands and Islands | 84.4 | 93 |
| Northern Ireland | 83.0 | 81 |
| ÉIRE/IRELAND | | |
| Border Midland and Western | 88.6 | |
| Southern and Eastern | 142.0 | |

2009

2017

PORTUGAL

North

63.6

65

Algarve

84.6

83

Centre

66.5

67

Lisbon

112.4

100

Alentejo

72.2

72

Autonomous Region of the Azores

75.2

68

Autonomous Region of Madeira

104.9

73

SPAIN

Canary Islands

87.3

75

Andalucia

79.1

68

Galicia

92.7

82

Principality of Asturias

95.8

82

Cantabria

100.0

83

Basque Country

134.4

121

FRANCE

Aquitaine

96.3

91

Poitou-Charentes

86.4

83

Pays-de-la-Loire

96.4

94

Brittany

90.5

88

Lower Normandy

84.1

81

Upper Normandy

93.0

88

UNITED KINGDOM

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

71.9

68

Devon

86.5

77

Hampshire and Isle of Wight

110.3

104

Dorset and Somerset

93.5

81

East Wales

99.3

94

West Wales and the Valleys

68.4

66

Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area

114.1

106

Merseyside

79.2

79

Lancashire

83.4

84

Cheshire

113.1

128

Cumbria

87.6

89

South Western Scotland

99.9

Highlands and Islands

84.4

93

Northern Ireland

83.0

81

ÉIRE/IRELAND

Border Midland and Western

88.6

Southern and Eastern

142.0

Source: Eurostat GDP per capita 2009, 2017

APPENDIX III

ACTION PLAN 2.0 — THEMATIC PILLARS
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PILLAR I

| PILLAR I | PILLAR II | PILLAR III | PILLAR IV |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

PILLAR II

PILLAR III

PILLAR IV

Atlantic ports as gateways and hubs for the blue economy

| Atlantic ports as gateways and hubs for the blue economy | The EU Atlantic area promotes blue skills of the future and ocean literacy | Research, development and innovation — international dimension



   The EU Atlantic area exploits marine renewable energy | The EU Atlantic area is healthy and its coasts resilient |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

The EU Atlantic area promotes blue skills of the future and ocean literacy

Research, development and innovation — international dimension

The EU Atlantic area exploits marine renewable energy

The EU Atlantic area exploits marine renewable energy

The EU Atlantic area is healthy and its coasts resilient

The EU Atlantic area is healthy and its coasts resilient

APPENDIX IV

APPENDIX IV

ACTION PLAN 2.0 — GOALS AND ACTIONS

ACTION PLAN 2.0 — GOALS AND ACTIONS

PILLAR I:
     ATLANTIC PORTS AS GATEWAYS AND HUBS FOR THE BLUE ECONOMY

PILLAR I:

The Pillar includes two specific goals and a set of actions:

The Pillar includes two specific goals and a set of actions:

Goal 1:
     Ports as gateways for trade in the Atlantic

Goal 1:

| Actions |
| --- |
| ►Develop the TEN-T Motorways of the Sea in the Atlantic


  ►Create a network of green ports by 2025


  ►Foster short-sea shipping links in the Atlantic area to better integrate Ireland


  ►Launch an Atlantic strategy on liquefied natural gas


  ►Develop eco-incentive schemes to upgrade port infrastructure


  ►Jointly develop waste and handling plans for Atlantic ports |

Actions

Actions

►Develop the TEN-T Motorways of the Sea in the Atlantic

►

Develop the TEN-T Motorways of the Sea in the Atlantic

►Create a network of green ports by 2025

►

Create a network of green ports by 2025

►Foster short-sea shipping links in the Atlantic area to better integrate Ireland

►

Foster short-sea shipping links in the Atlantic area to better integrate Ireland

►Launch an Atlantic strategy on liquefied natural gas

►

Launch an Atlantic strategy on liquefied natural gas

►Develop eco-incentive schemes to upgrade port infrastructure

►

Develop eco-incentive schemes to upgrade port infrastructure

►Jointly develop waste and handling plans for Atlantic ports

►

Jointly develop waste and handling plans for Atlantic ports

Goal 2:
     Ports as catalysts for business

Goal 2:

| Actions |
| --- |
| ►Develop a blue accelerator scheme for Atlantic ports to help scale up innovative businesses


  ►Share best practices, exchange ideas and tackle problems jointly


  ►Expand data collection beyond traditional (logistics) data


  ►Increase communication and availability of data on the economic potential of ports |

Actions

Actions

►Develop a blue accelerator scheme for Atlantic ports to help scale up innovative businesses

►

Develop a blue accelerator scheme for Atlantic ports to help scale up innovative businesses

►Share best practices, exchange ideas and tackle problems jointly

►

Share best practices, exchange ideas and tackle problems jointly

►Expand data collection beyond traditional (logistics) data

►

Expand data collection beyond traditional (logistics) data

►Increase communication and availability of data on the economic potential of ports

►

Increase communication and availability of data on the economic potential of ports

PILLAR II: BLUE SKILLS OF THE FUTURE AND OCEAN LITERACY

PILLAR II: BLUE SKILLS OF THE FUTURE AND OCEAN LITERACY

The Pillar includes two specific goals and a set of actions:

The Pillar includes two specific goals and a set of actions:

Goal 3:
     Quality education, training and life-long learning

Goal 3:

| Actions |
| --- |
| ►Identify blue skill gaps in the EU Atlantic area


  ►Harmonise data collection in the area of blue careers


  ►Create a business intelligence scheme and promote liaison centres for improved cooperation between businesses and training providers


  ►Identify through peer learning best practices for matchmaking employers and jobseekers that serve as inspiration


  ►Take advantage of existing information platforms for job opportunities and harvest their potential for blue jobs |

Actions

Actions

►Identify blue skill gaps in the EU Atlantic area

►

Identify blue skill gaps in the EU Atlantic area

►Harmonise data collection in the area of blue careers

►

Harmonise data collection in the area of blue careers

►Create a business intelligence scheme and promote liaison centres for improved cooperation between businesses and training providers

►

Create a business intelligence scheme and promote liaison centres for improved cooperation between businesses and training providers

►Identify through peer learning best practices for matchmaking employers and jobseekers that serve as inspiration

►

Identify through peer learning best practices for matchmaking employers and jobseekers that serve as inspiration

►Take advantage of existing information platforms for job opportunities and harvest their potential for blue jobs

►

Take advantage of existing information platforms for job opportunities and harvest their potential for blue jobs

Goal 4:
     Ocean literacy

| Actions |
| --- |
| ►Launch an Atlantic Ocean literacy pilot curriculum


  ►Create 25 Atlantic blue schools by 2025


  ►Implement an ocean literacy component (dissemination) in relevant projects


  ►Making use of the All-Atlantic Ocean Youth Forum


  ►Engage citizens in ocean-related actions in the EU Atlantic area


  ►Engage citizens in activities organised for European Maritime Day, International Ocean Day and under the future EU4Ocean platform |

Actions

►Launch an Atlantic Ocean literacy pilot curriculum

►Create 25 Atlantic blue schools by 2025

►Implement an ocean literacy component (dissemination) in relevant projects

►Making use of the All-Atlantic Ocean Youth Forum

►Engage citizens in ocean-related actions in the EU Atlantic area

►Engage citizens in activities organised for European Maritime Day, International Ocean Day and under the future EU4Ocean platform

PILLAR III: MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY

The Pillar includes one specific goal and a set of actions:

Goal 5:
     The promotion of carbon neutrality through marine renewable energy

| Actions |
| --- |
| ►Set specific deployment objectives for marine renewable energy in the Atlantic regions taking into account their environmental impacts


  ►Define best sites for marine renewable energy farms (including offshore wind) and adjacent ports across the Atlantic, taking into account potential impacts on the marine environment


  ►Implement incentives for deployment of innovative renewable energy installations


  ►Pool together different marine renewable energy initiatives covering the EU Atlantic area, based on the philosophy and furthering the objectives of the Strategic Energy Technology plan (SET plan)


  ►Develop public awareness using appropriate communication tools on marine renewable energy in the Atlantic


  ►Strengthen cooperation in the European ocean energy community


  ►Develop a specific ocean energy framework for EU islands in the Atlantic |

Actions

►Set specific deployment objectives for marine renewable energy in the Atlantic regions taking into account their environmental impacts

►Define best sites for marine renewable energy farms (including offshore wind) and adjacent ports across the Atlantic, taking into account potential impacts on the marine environment

►Implement incentives for deployment of innovative renewable energy installations

►Pool together different marine renewable energy initiatives covering the EU Atlantic area, based on the philosophy and furthering the objectives of the Strategic Energy Technology plan (SET plan)

►Develop public awareness using appropriate communication tools on marine renewable energy in the Atlantic

►Strengthen cooperation in the European ocean energy community

►Develop a specific ocean energy framework for EU islands in the Atlantic

PILLAR IV: HEALTHY OCEAN AND RESILIENT COASTS

The Pillar includes two specific goals and a set of actions:

Goal 6:
     Stronger coastal resilience

| Actions |
| --- |
| ►Demonstrate a comprehensive alert and observing system for increased storms and floods due to climate change


  ►Develop synergies between existing EU infrastructures for coastal observation and protection, as well as for alert and monitoring and increase the development of in-situ ocean observatories


  ►Develop test spaces, pilot areas to test methods of coastal protection and promote nature-based solutions


  ►Promote sustainable practices in coastal and maritime tourism


  ►Compile an inventory of national and regional climate change coastal adaptation strategies and measures, linked to the risk assessments and risk management plans, share best practices


  ►Create information campaigns for Atlantic coastal communities


  ►Educate young people and coastal communities on the evolution of the coastline and ways to adapt to sea level rise


  ►Share best practices on the application of maritime spatial planning to coastal adaptation, resilience, and applicable environmental assessments (EIA
  21
  , SEA
  22
  , AA
  23
  )


  ►Map coastal wetlands for preservation and to monitor their role as carbon sinks |

Actions

►Demonstrate a comprehensive alert and observing system for increased storms and floods due to climate change

►Develop synergies between existing EU infrastructures for coastal observation and protection, as well as for alert and monitoring and increase the development of in-situ ocean observatories

►Develop test spaces, pilot areas to test methods of coastal protection and promote nature-based solutions

►Promote sustainable practices in coastal and maritime tourism

►Compile an inventory of national and regional climate change coastal adaptation strategies and measures, linked to the risk assessments and risk management plans, share best practices

►Create information campaigns for Atlantic coastal communities

►Educate young people and coastal communities on the evolution of the coastline and ways to adapt to sea level rise

►Share best practices on the application of maritime spatial planning to coastal adaptation, resilience, and applicable environmental assessments (EIA
  21
  , SEA
  22
  , AA
  23
  )

►Map coastal wetlands for preservation and to monitor their role as carbon sinks

Goal 7:
     The fight against marine pollution

| Actions |
| --- |
| ►Develop a pilot project of ‘litter-free’ coastal communities


  ►Make use of available tools to identify major sources, pathways and hotspots of marine litter, as well as accidental or deliberate pollution


  ►Promote business actions based on the circular economy, develop incentives and environmental certification schemes


  ►Launch joint actions to promote a public perception of the problem, e.g. beach days where communities meet to clean the beach


  ►Promote fishing-for-litter actions to encourage all fishermen to bring ashore the waste caught in their nets during their normal fishing operations


  ►Engage under OSPAR to implement collective actions of the marine litter regional action plan


  ►Promote coordinated and effective implementation of actions against marine litter and underwater noise required under the MSFD for the EU MS


  ►Support the work under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and of Bonn and Lisbon Agreements towards effective prevention, preparedness and response to deliberate and accidental pollution


  ►Promote cooperation among sectors for a coordinated at-sea and shoreline response |

Actions

►Develop a pilot project of ‘litter-free’ coastal communities

►Make use of available tools to identify major sources, pathways and hotspots of marine litter, as well as accidental or deliberate pollution

►Promote business actions based on the circular economy, develop incentives and environmental certification schemes

►Launch joint actions to promote a public perception of the problem, e.g. beach days where communities meet to clean the beach

►Promote fishing-for-litter actions to encourage all fishermen to bring ashore the waste caught in their nets during their normal fishing operations

►Engage under OSPAR to implement collective actions of the marine litter regional action plan

►Promote coordinated and effective implementation of actions against marine litter and underwater noise required under the MSFD for the EU MS

►Support the work under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and of Bonn and Lisbon Agreements towards effective prevention, preparedness and response to deliberate and accidental pollution

►Promote cooperation among sectors for a coordinated at-sea and shoreline response

_____________

(1)

     The time lag in the statistics makes it difficult to define European policies reflecting the current situation in the Member States and jeopardises support for them. The EESC believes that a strong commitment should be made in this area.



  (2)

     COM(2011) 782 final,
  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52011DC0782
  .



  (3)
   
     COM(2013) 279 final,
  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52013DC0279
  .



  (4)

     EESC opinion on the EU Strategy for the Atlantic Region,
  OJ C229, 31.7.2012, p. 24
  and EESC opinion on the Action Plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic area,
  OJ C341, 21.11.2013, p. 77
  .



  (5)

     COM(2019) 640 final.



  (6)

     COM(2020) 380 final.



  (7)

     COM(2020) 381 final.



  (8)

     COM(2020) 456 final.



  (9)

     COM(2020) 329 final.



  (10)

     SWD(2020) 140 final.



  (11)

     SWD(2018) 49 final,
  https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/sites/maritimeaffairs/files/swd-2018-49_en.pdf
  .



  (12)

     Ibidem.



  (13)

     COM(2007) 575.



  (14)

     COM(2012) 494; COM(2014) 254; COM(2008) 768; COM(2013) 229; COM(2014) 008; COM(2014) 086; Strategic roadmap Building Ocean Energy for Europe.



  (15)

     Marine Knowledge 2020 roadmap (SWD(2014) 0149).



  (16)

     Directive 2014/89/EU.



  (17)

     An example of best practice is the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, comprising 14 countries two of them European: Portugal and Norway.



  (18)
   
     EEA Grants – The EEA and Norway grants are a result of the participation of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway in the internal market in the areas covered by the EEA Agreement.



  (19)

     ECO/306 - CESE 1298/2012.



  (20)

     COM(2020) 329 final.



  (21)


     Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p.1, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1.

Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30.

Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206 , 22.07.1992, as amended by Council Directive 97/62/EC of 27 October 1997, OJ L 305, 8.11.1997, p. 42, Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 September 2003, OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1, Council Directive 2006/105/EC of 20 November 2006, OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 368, Council Directive 2013/17/EU of 13 May 2013, OJ L 158, 10.6.2013, p. 193.