Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union {COM(2007) 574 final)} {SEC(2007) 1278} {SEC(2007) 1279} {SEC(2007) 1280} {SEC(2007) 1283}
Date: 2007-10-10
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: coastal region, environmental protection, maritime area, maritime surveillance, maritime transport, pollution control measures, shipping policy, tourism

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 10.10.2007 
COM(2007) 575 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union 

{COM(2007) 574 final)} 
{SEC(2007) 1278} 
{SEC(2007) 1279} 
{SEC(2007) 1280} 
{SEC(2007) 1283} 

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union 

1. 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The seas are Europe's lifeblood. Europe's maritime spaces and its coasts are central to its well-
being  and  prosperity  –  they  are  Europe's  trade  routes,  climate  regulator,  sources  of  food, 
energy and resources, and a favoured site for its citizens' residence and recreation.  

Our interactions with the sea are more intense, more varied, and create more value for Europe 
than ever before. Yet the strain is showing. We are at a crossroads in our relationship with the 
oceans.  

On the one hand technology and know-how allow us to extract ever more value from the sea, 
and  more  and  more  people  flow  to  Europe's  coasts  to  benefit  from  that  value.  On  the  other 
hand,  the  cumulated  effect  of  all  this  activity  is  leading  to  conflicts  of  use  and  to  the 
deterioration of the marine environment that everything else depends on.  

Europe must respond to this challenge; in a context of rapid globalisation and climate change 
the urgency is great.  

The  European  Commission  has  recognised  this,  and  launched  a  comprehensive  consultation 
and  analysis  of  how  Europe  relates  to  the  sea1.  It  has  triggered  a  massive  response  from 
stakeholders  that  reveals  clearly  the  enormous  potential  of  the  seas,  and  the  scale  of  the 
challenge if we are to realise that potential sustainably. It has also provided a wealth of ideas 
as to how Europe can rise to meet this challenge. 

Building on this valuable input the Commission proposes an Integrated Maritime Policy 
for  the  European  Union,  based  on  the  clear  recognition  that  all  matters  relating  to 
Europe's oceans and seas are interlinked, and that sea-related policies must develop in a 
joined-up way if we are to reap the desired results. 

This integrated, inter-sectoral approach was strongly endorsed by all stakeholders. Applying it 
will require reinforced cooperation and effective coordination of all sea-related policies at the 
different decision-making levels.  

An  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  will  enhance  Europe's  capacity  to  face  the  challenges  of 
globalisation  and  competitiveness,  climate  change,  degradation  of  the  marine  environment, 
maritime  safety  and  security,  and  energy  security  and  sustainability.  It  must  be  based  on 
excellence in marine research, technology and innovation, and will be anchored in the Lisbon 
agenda for jobs and growth, and the Gothenburg agenda for sustainability. 

1 

See Report on the Consultation process - COM(2007) 574. See also: Green Paper on A Future Maritime 
Policy for the Union: a European Vision of the Oceans and Seas - COM(2006) 275. 

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An EU Integrated Maritime Policy will: 

•  Change the way we make policy and take decisions – at every level compartmentalised 
policy  development  and  decision-making  are  no  longer  adequate.  Interactions  must  be 
understood  and  taken  into  account;  common  tools  developed;  synergies  identified  and 
exploited; and conflicts avoided or resolved.  

•  Develop and deliver a programme of work – action under the different sectoral policies 
must  develop  in  a  coherent  policy  framework.  The  Action  Plan  accompanying  this 
communication  gives  a  clear  idea  of  the  variety  and  magnitude  of  the  work  ahead.  The 
following projects are of particular importance : 

–  A European Maritime Transport Space without barriers 

–  A European Strategy for Marine Research 

–  National integrated maritime policies to be developed by Member States 

–  An European network for maritime surveillance  

–  A Roadmap towards maritime spatial planning by Member States  

–  A Strategy to mitigate the effects of Climate Change on coastal regions 

–  Reduction of CO2 emissions and pollution by shipping 

–  Elimination of pirate fishing and destructive high seas bottom trawling 

–  An European network of maritime clusters 

–  A review of EU labour law exemptions for the shipping and fishing sectors 

This  Communication  lays  the  foundation  for  the  governance  framework  and  cross-sectoral 
tools necessary for an EU Integrated Maritime Policy and sets out the main actions that the 
Commission will pursue during the course of this mandate. These actions will be guided by 
the  principles  of  subsidiarity  and  competitiveness,  the  ecosystem  approach,  and  stakeholder 
participation. 

2. 

CONTEXT 

Europe  has  a  70 000  km  coastline  along  two  oceans  and  four  seas:  the  Atlantic  and  Arctic 
Oceans, the Baltic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. The EU's maritime 
regions account for some 40% of its GDP and population.  

Europe's well-being is therefore inextricably linked with the sea. Shipbuilding and shipping, 
ports and fisheries remain key maritime activities, but offshore energy (including oil, gas and 
renewables), and coastal and maritime tourism also generate massive revenues. Sea-ports and 
shipping  allow  Europe  to  benefit  from  the  rapid  growth  of  international  trade  and  to  play  a 
leading role in the global economy, while the exploitation of mineral resources, aquaculture, 
blue  biotech  and  emerging  sub-sea  technologies  represent  increasingly  important  business 

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opportunities. Equally significant are the recreational, aesthetic and cultural uses we make of 
the seas and the ecosystem services they provide. 

Ensuring  that  use  of  the  marine  environment  is  genuinely  sustainable  is  a  prerequisite  for 
these  industries  to  be  competitive.  The  growing  vulnerability  of  coastal  areas,  increasingly 
crowded coastal waters, the key role of the oceans in the climate system and the continuous 
deterioration of the marine environment all call for a stronger focus on our oceans and seas.  

Ocean  sustainability  is  today  widely  recognised  as  a  major  global  challenge,  intimately 
connected with climate change.  

Increasing  competition  for  marine  space  and  the  cumulative  impact  of  human  activities  on 
marine  ecosystems  render  the  current  fragmented  decision-making  in  maritime  affairs 
inadequate, and demand a more collaborative and integrated approach. For too long policies 
on,  for  instance,  maritime  transport,  fisheries,  energy,  surveillance  and  policing  of  the  seas, 
tourism, the marine environment, and marine research have developed on separate tracks, at 
times leading to inefficiencies, incoherencies and conflicts of use.  

Based on this recognition, the Commission's vision is for an integrated maritime policy that 
covers  all  aspects  of  our  relationship  with  the  oceans  and  seas.  This  innovative  and  holistic 
approach  will  provide  a  coherent  policy  framework  that  will  allow  for  the  optimal 
development of all sea-related activities in a sustainable manner.  

3. 

A GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK AND TOOLS FOR A MARITIME POLICY 

An  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  requires  a  governance  framework  that  applies  the  integrated 
approach  at  every  level,  as  well  as  horizontal  and  cross-cutting  policy  tools.  It  will  also 
require a sound financial basis, taking into account the results of preparatory actions. 

3.1. 

Applying the Integrated Approach to Maritime Governance 

The Commission has set up a maritime policy function, with the task of analysing maritime 
affairs and the  policies affecting  them, coordinating between sectoral policies, ensuring that 
interactions  between  them  are  taken  into  account,  and  piloting  the  development  of  cross-
cutting  policy  tools.  It  has  also  started  bringing  together  EU  agencies  with  maritime-related 
functions,  with  a  view  to  ensuring  their  collective  contribution  to  the  development  of  the 
maritime policy.  

Better  regulation  principles  will  guide  the  Commission  policy-making  on  maritime  issues 
from an early stage: identification of major maritime-related initiatives in the annual planning 
and  programming  instruments,  consultation  of  civil  society  and  interested  parties,  impact 
assessments and inter-service working groups will help to ensure that the Commission is able 
to design and deliver genuinely integrated proposals. 

Other  EU  institutions  and  actors  are  invited  to  examine  how  best  to  apply  the  integrated 
approach to maritime policy affairs in a systematic way. Certain Member States have started 
developing  co-ordination  mechanisms  in  their  maritime  policy-making.  All  stakeholders 
should  participate  in  the  governance  process  and  are  invited  to  continue  to  bring  to  the 
Commission’s  attention  any  EU  legislation  that  in  their  view  is  counterproductive  in 
achieving the aims of an Integrated Maritime Policy. 

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•  The Commission will: 

•  invite  Member  States  to  draw  up  national  integrated  maritime  policies, 

working closely with stakeholders, in particular the coastal regions; 

•  propose  in  2008  a  set  of  guidelines  for  these  national  integrated  maritime 
policies and report annually on EU and Member States' actions in this regard 
from 2009; 

•  organise  a  stakeholder  consultation  structure, 

feeding 

into 

further 

development of the maritime policy and allowing exchange of best practices. 

3.2. 

Tools for Integrated policy-making 

An  integrated  governance  framework  for  maritime  affairs  requires  horizontal  planning  tools 
that  cut  across  sea-related  sectoral  policies  and  support  joined  up  policy  making.  The 
following three are of major importance: maritime surveillance which is critical for the safe 
and  secure  use  of  marine  space;  maritime  spatial  planning  which  is  a  key  planning  tool  for 
sustainable  decision-making;  and  a  comprehensive  and  accessible  source  of  data  and 
information.  

3.2.1.  A European network for maritime surveillance  

Maritime surveillance is of the highest importance in ensuring the safe use of the sea and in 
securing  Europe's  maritime  borders.  The  improvement  and  optimisation  of  maritime 
surveillance activities, and interoperability at the European level, are important for Europe to 
meet  the  challenges  and  threats  relating  to  safety  of  navigation,  marine  pollution,  law 
enforcement, and overall security.  

Surveillance activities are carried out by Member States but most of the activities and threats 
that  they  address  are  transnational  in  nature.  Within  most  Member  States  surveillance 
activities concerning fisheries, the environment, policing of the seas or immigration fall under 
the  responsibility  of  several  different  enforcement  agencies  operating  independently  from 
each other. This often results in sub-optimal use of scarce resources.  

The  Commission,  therefore,  advocates  the  need  for  a  higher  degree  of  coordination  on 
maritime  surveillance  through  deeper  cooperation  within  and  among  the  Member  States' 
coastguards and other appropriate agencies.  

The  gradual  achievement  of  an  integrated  network  of  vessel  tracking  and  e-navigation 
systems for European coastal waters and the high seas, including satellite monitoring and long 
range  identification  and  tracking  (LRIT),  would  also  provide  an  invaluable  tool  to  public 
agencies. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  promote  improved  cooperation  between  Member  States'  Coastguards  and 

appropriate agencies; 

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•  take  steps  towards  a  more  interoperable  surveillance  system  to  bring 
together  existing  monitoring  and  tracking  systems  used  for  maritime  safety 
and security, protection of the marine environment, fisheries control, control 
of external borders and other law enforcement activities. 

3.2.2.  Maritime Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) 

Existing  planning  frameworks  have  a  largely  terrestrial  focus  and  often  do  not  address  how 
coastal development may affect the sea and vice-versa. We must address the challenges that 
emerge from the growing competing uses of the sea, ranging from maritime transport, fishing, 
aquaculture,  leisure  activities,  off-shore  energy  production  and  other  forms  of  sea  bed 
exploitation.  

Maritime spatial planning is therefore a fundamental tool for the sustainable development of 
marine  areas  and  coastal  regions,  and  for  the  restoration  of  Europe’s  seas  to  environmental 
health.  

Following an EU Recommendation2, Member States have begun to use ICZM to regulate the 
spatial deployment of economic activities and to set up spatial planning systems for Europe's 
coastal waters. Both these instruments contribute to meeting the commitments deriving from 
the  Thematic  Strategy  for  the  Protection  of  the  Marine  Environment3  and  provide  operators 
with improved predictability for their planning of future investments. A system for exchange 
of best practice among authorities engaged in maritime spatial planning and ICZM will be set 
up. 

Decision-making  competence  in  this  area  lies  with  the  Member  States.  What  is  needed  at 
European level is a commitment to common principles and guidelines to facilitate the process 
in  a  flexible  manner  and  to  ensure  that  regional  marine  ecosystems  that  transcend  national 
maritime boundaries are respected. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  develop a roadmap in 2008 to facilitate the development of maritime spatial 

planning by Member States. 

3.2.3.  Data and Information 

Availability and easy access to a wide range of natural and human-activity data on the oceans 
is the basis for strategic decision-making on maritime policy. Given the vast quantity of data 
collected and stored all over Europe for a wide variety of purposes, the establishment of an 
appropriate marine data and information infrastructure is of utmost importance.  

This  data  should  be  compiled  in  a  comprehensive  and  compatible  system,  and  made 
accessible as a tool for better governance, expansion of value-added services and sustainable 

2 

3 

Recommendation  2002/413/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  30  May  2002 
concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe. 
See Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Framework 
for  Community  Action  in  the  field  of  Marine  Environmental  Policy  (Marine  Strategy  Directive)  - 
COM(2005) 505. 

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maritime  development.  This  is  a  considerable  undertaking  with  many  dimensions,  and  will 
need to be developed according to a clear and coherent plan over a period of years. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  take  steps  in  2008  towards  a  European  Marine  Observation  and  Data 
Network4,  and  promote  the  multi-dimensional  mapping  of  Member  States' 
waters, in order to improve access to high quality data. 

4. 

ACTION AREAS FOR AN EU INTEGRATED MARITIME POLICY 

An EU Integrated Maritime Policy will focus its action primarily in the following five areas:  

4.1.  Maximising the Sustainable Use of the Oceans and Seas 

The  first  goal  of  an  EU  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  is  to  create  optimal  conditions  for  the 
sustainable  use  of  the  oceans  and  seas,  enabling  the  growth  of  maritime  sectors  and  coastal 
regions.  

In many Member States, the recent growth of the maritime economy has been higher than that 
of  the  overall  economy,  in  particular  in  regions  active  in  maritime  logistics.  Container 
movement  has  grown  considerably  since  2000  and  is  expected  to  triple  by  2020.  Regions 
active  in  other  strong  growth  markets,  such  as  marine  equipment,  off-shore  wind  energy, 
recreational boating and cruise shipping, will also continue to benefit from this growth. The 
potential for European industries to develop cutting-edge maritime products that can lead in 
world  markets  is  also  considerable,  given  Europe's  considerable  expertise  in  marine 
technology. 

But  much  potential  remains  untapped.  An  updated  strategic  vision  for  the  development  of 
competitive,  safe  and  secure  shipping,  ports  and  related  sectors  is  essential  if  we  are  to 
achieve  sustainable  growth  of  sea-related  activities  while  ensuring  that  maritime  activities 
develop in a way that does not threaten marine ecosystem health.  

Shipping is vital for Europe's international and domestic trade and  remains the  backbone of 
the maritime cluster. However, this industry will only continue to prosper if the Union keeps 
working to establish a high level of maritime safety and security, helping to safeguard human 
lives and the environment while promoting an international level playing field.  

Although  shipping  is  a  preoccupying  source  of  air  pollution  and  CO2  emissions,  it  remains 
considerably  more  energy  efficient  than  road  transport.  For  this  reason,  and  because  of  the 
need to reduce trucks from Europe's congested roads, an Integrated Maritime Policy strongly 
favours  the  promotion  of  safe  and  secure  shipping.  Current  EU  programmes  (TEN-T  and 
MARCO POLO) will continue to support the creation of the Motorways of the Sea/Short Sea 
Shipping  Networks.  The  future  development  of  TEN  should  also  take  full  account  of  the 
increasing uses of the seas in the energy field. 

Nevertheless, shipping remains at a disadvantage compared to other means of transport. Other 
transport  modes  benefit  from  more  public  investment.  Furthermore,  a  vessel  travelling 

4 

Building inter alia on the GMES initiative. 

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between  two  EU  ports  is  subject  to  more  complex  and  time-consuming  procedures  than  a 
truck would be, because a real internal market for maritime transport in Europe does not yet 
exist. In order to unlock the full potential of Europe's shipping industry this disadvantage of 
maritime  transport  compared  with  the  other  modes  must  be  eliminated  through  the 
simplification of administrative and customs formalities for intra-EU maritime services. 

•  With  a  view  to  improving  the  efficiency  of  maritime  transport  in  Europe  and 

ensuring its long term competitiveness, the Commission will: 

•  propose a European Maritime Transport Space without barriers; 

•  prepare a comprehensive maritime transport strategy for 2008-2018. 

European seaports are another essential link in the logistics chain that the European economy 
depends  on.  They  are  centres  of  economic  activity  that  play  a  key  role  in  determining  the 
quality of their surrounding urban and natural environments.  

Globalisation  means  that  we  are  witnessing  an  unprecedented  growth  of  international  trade. 
Given  that  90%  of  Europe's  external  trade  and  close  to  40%  of  its  internal  trade  passes 
through its ports, it is not difficult to understand the great challenge that Europe's ports face if 
they are to deal with increasing demand. Their capacity development must mirror the growth 
of  Europe's  domestic  and  international  trade  and  occur  in  a  way  that  is  compatible  with 
related EU policy objectives, in particular its environmental and competitiveness goals. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  propose a new ports policy, taking account of the multiple roles of ports and 

the wider context of European logistics; 

•  make  proposals  to  reduce  the  levels  of  air  pollution  from  ships  in  ports, 

namely by removing tax disadvantages for shore side electricity; 

•  issue guidelines on the application of the relevant Community environmental 

legislation to port development.  

Europe's maritime logistics chain also requires cutting edge shipbuilding, repair and marine 
equipment industries and the European Union will build on successful initiatives5 to promote 
the development of these industries and in particular the small and medium companies.  

More investment in marine research and technology will be instrumental to pursue economic 
growth  without  further  aggravating  environmental  degradation.  This  investment  will  also 
create new opportunities. Environmental-led technologies which allow maritime activities to 
prosper  while  preserving  the  marine  environment  will  keep  European  business  ahead  of  the 
curve as global standards rise and new and promising industries develop, such as blue biotech, 
offshore-renewable energies, underwater technology and equipment and marine aquaculture. 

Technology also allows Europe to benefit from the full potential of the sea as a source of oil 
and  gas6  as  well  as  renewable  energies,  and  as  an  enabler  of  energy  transportation, 

5 

Such as the Waterborne Platform and LeaderShip 2015. 

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diversifying energy transport routes and thus reinforcing security of supply. Europe's energy 
situation  indicates  that  the  scope  for  synergy  between  its  energy  and  maritime  policies  will 
increase7.  In  this  regard,  the  Commission's  Communication  of  January  20078  on  an  Energy 
Strategy for Europe acknowledged the need to develop further the use of the oceans and seas 
to promote EU energy goals.  

Business integration and competitiveness in the maritime sector are greatly enhanced by the 
formation of multi-sectoral clusters9. These clusters are instrumental to maintain the maritime 
know-how  of  Europe  and  will  occupy  therefore  a  central  position  in  the  Maritime  Policy. 
Public/private cooperation on centres of maritime excellence also provides a good framework 
for  the  interactions  between  different  industries  and  sectors  to  be  fully  understood  and 
planned for. 

•  The Commission will encourage the formation of multi-sectoral clusters and 
regional centres of maritime excellence, and promote a European network of 
maritime clusters. 

The  Commission's  aim  is  also  to  increase  the  number  and  quality  of  maritime  jobs  for 
European citizens. The decline in seagoing employment is worrying and needs to be reversed, 
as seafarers' experience is key also for shore-based jobs.  

Improved staffing policies and working conditions (including health and safety), supported by 
a concerted effort by all maritime stakeholders and an efficient regulatory framework taking 
into  account  its  global  context,  are  necessary  if  Europeans  are  to  be  attracted  to  the  sector. 
The Commission fully supports the social dialogue on the integration of the ILO Convention 
on  maritime  labour  standards  into  Community  law.  The  Commission  will  also  promote  the 
design  of  a  system  providing  Europeans  with  better  and  wider  career  prospects  in  the 
maritime  cluster.  This will  include  broadening  the  scope  of  maritime  studies  and  enhancing 
the skills and qualifications for the maritime professions. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  reassess,  in  close  cooperation  with  social  partners,  the  exclusions  affecting 

maritime sectors in EU labour legislation10; 

•  promote a Certificate of Maritime Excellence. 

Despite  past  efforts,  increased  economic  activity  on  Europe's  coasts  and  seas  has  been 
associated with deterioration of the quality of the marine environment. The Commission has 
already proposed an EU Marine Strategy including a proposed Directive11 to halt and reverse 

6 

7 

8 

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10 

11 

According  to  OGP  40%  of  the  oil  and  60%  of  the  gas  currently  consumed  in  Europe  are  drilled 
offshore. 
See  Commission  Staff  Working  Document  entitled  "Energy  policy  and  maritime  policy:  ensuring  a 
better fit". 
Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  European  Council  and  the  European  Parliament:  an 
Energy Policy for Europe - COM(2007) 1. 
See Staff Working Document annexed to this Communication. 
Communication on Reassessing the regulatory social framework for more and better seafaring jobs in 
the EU - COM (2007) 591. 
COM(2005) 504 and COM(2005) 505. 

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this trend and to provide a framework for Community action to achieve good environmental 
status of the marine environment in a context of sustainable development. 

The  challenge  is  compounded  by  the  severe  impact  that  climate  change  is  likely  to  have  in 
coastal  regions.  Carbon  storage  under  the  seabed  is  an  innovative  activity  which  has  great 
potential  for  mitigating  climate  change.  The  EU  must  remain  at  the  cutting  edge  of  this 
technology, providing a coherent policy framework to fully realise this potential. 

To  this  end  the  objectives  of  EU  environmental  legislation,  in  particular  the  Habitats 
Directive12  and  the  proposed  Marine  Strategy  Directive,  must  be  reached.  The  Community 
acquis on maritime safety and prevention of pollution caused by ships is also relevant in this 
respect. The swift adoption of the proposals contained in the 3rd Maritime Package will make 
a major contribution to this acquis. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  launch pilot  actions  to  reduce  the  impact of and adapt to climate change in 

coastal zones; 

•  support  actively  international  efforts  to  diminish  air  pollution  caused  by 
ships  and  make  proposals  at  European  level  in  the  absence  of  progress  in 
such efforts; 

•  support  actively  international  efforts  to  diminish  greenhouse  gas  emissions 
from ships, and, in the absence of progress in such efforts, consider possible 
options for EU measures in this regard; 

•  taking  duly  into  account  the  ongoing  work  at  international  level,  make 
in  an  efficient,  safe  and 

proposals  for  dismantling  obsolete  ships 
environmentally sustainable manner. 

Fisheries  management must take more into account the welfare of coastal communities, the 
marine environment and the interaction of fishing with other activities. The recovery of fish 
stocks will be energetically pursued, requiring sound scientific information and reinforcement 
of  the  shift  to  multi-annual  planning.  The  Commission  will  take  action  to  ensure  that  the 
Common  Fisheries  Policy  reflects  the  ecosystem-based  approach  of  the  Strategy  for  the 
Marine Environment, and will work to eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing 
in its waters and on the high seas.  

Managing  fish  stocks  at  Maximum  Sustainable  Yields  will  provide  a  better  future  for  the 
European fishing community and ensure its contribution to Europe's food security; this should 
be achieved by 2015 in line with international commitments.  

The  improvement  of  on-the-job  safety  of  fishermen  must  also  be  addressed  in  the  wider 
context  of  maritime  working  conditions  and  social  policy,  and  fishermen's  experience  and 
knowledge of the sea should be harnessed on behalf of society as a whole.  

12 

Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna 
and flora. 

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The  growth  of  aquaculture  to  satisfy  increasing  global  seafood  demand  should  be  achieved 
within a regulatory framework that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation and ensures 
compliance with high environmental and public health standards. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  take  firm  action  towards  the  elimination  of  discards13  and  of  destructive 
fishing practices such as high seas bottom trawling in sensitive habitats14; 

•  take firm action to eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fisheries15; 

•  promote the development of an environmentally safe aquaculture industry in 

Europe. 

4.2. 

Building a knowledge and innovation base for the maritime policy 

Marine science, technology and research are crucial for the sustainable development of sea-
based activities. 

By  helping  us  to  develop  a  more  sophisticated  understanding  of  the  impact  of  human 
activities on marine systems, scientific research and technology provide the key to decoupling 
the development of sea based activities from environmental degradation.  

Strengthening the interdisciplinary approach to marine science can help us better understand 
the  interactions  between  maritime  activities,  and  will  therefore  be  an  indispensable 
component of an integrated maritime policy. It is also crucial if we are to predict and mitigate 
as far as possible the effects of climate change. 

Marine and maritime research is expensive: inefficiencies cannot be afforded. For the best use 
to be made of Europe's resources a clear strategy needs to be drawn up that will link political 
and  research  priorities,  address  cross-sectoral  challenges,  maximise  synergies  between 
Member  State  and  Community  efforts,  avoid  duplication  and  improve  dialogue  between 
interested  actors.  Europe  also  needs  to  explore  how  research  can  better  contribute  to 
innovation  and  how  to  transform  more  efficiently  knowledge  and  skills  into  industrial 
products and services. 

The development of the Marine Observation and Data Network16 will be an important tool for 
this strategy. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  present  a  comprehensive  European  Strategy  for  Marine  and  Maritime 

Research in 2008;  

13 

14 
15 
16 

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: A policy to reduce 
unwanted by-catches and eliminate discards in European fisheries - COM(2007) 136. 
Communication and proposal for Regulation due 17 October. 
Communication and proposal for Regulation due 17 October. 
See Section 3.2.3. 

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•  launch  joint  cross-cutting  calls  under  the  7th  Research  Framework 
Programme to promote an integrated approach and improve understanding 
of maritime affairs; 

•  support  research  to  predict,  mitigate  and  adapt  to  the  effects  of  climate 
change  on  maritime  activities,  the  marine  environment,  coastal  zones  and 
islands; 

•  support  the  creation  of  a  European  marine  science  partnership  for  a 
concerted dialogue between the scientific community, the industry and policy 
makers. 

4.3. 

Delivering the Highest Quality of Life in Coastal Regions 

Population  growth  in  coastal  regions  and  islands  has  been  double  the  EU  average  over  the 
last decade. Coastal communities are also the destination of the majority of tourists in Europe, 
making the need to reconcile economic development, environmental sustainability and quality 
of life particularly acute in these regions.  

Regional authorities and coastal communities have an important role to play in the regulation 
of  coastal  and  maritime  activities.  The  Committee  of  the  Regions,  coastal  regions  and  their 
networks are thus key partners in the development of an EU Integrated Maritime Policy.  

Due to their ports and their maritime industries, these regions have strategic importance for 
Europe as a whole. They produce important services to the hinterland and act as a base for the 
policing  of  sea  borders  and  coastal  waters.  The  resulting  demands  on  infrastructure  are 
considerable  and  need  to  be  taken  into  account  in  the  allocation  of  Community  resources. 
Coastal  regions  are  also  particularly  affected  by  climate  change,  and  risk  management  may 
have dramatic impact on their budgets and economies. 

The sea is determinant for coastal and maritime tourism, which has been a major catalyst for 
economic development in coastal areas of Europe. The Commission will work more actively 
with stakeholders in developing a sustainable tourism policy that takes coastal and maritime 
tourism into account. 

Sources  of  funding  are  available,  but  stakeholders  feel  that  they  have  insufficient  access  to 
information. The Commission will work to optimise support for maritime projects in coastal 
regions and islands, under the range of Community financing instruments available.  

The need for improved socioeconomic data on the maritime sectors and coastal regions is also 
clear  as  difficulties  in  obtaining  this  information  are  limiting  the  ability  of  regional 
stakeholders to develop rational, long-term plans and investments. 

Interregional  collaboration  is  also  essential  to  the  development  of  Europe's  coastal  regions, 
taking into account their diversity and specificities. The Commission accordingly, will make 
full  use  of  the  Territorial  Cooperation  Programme  to  support  inter-regional  maritime 
development. 

Outermost  regions  and  islands  suffer  from  considerable  economic  disadvantages  but  have  a 
high potential in maritime activities and marine research. Their large maritime areas provide 
ecosystem  services  of  considerable  interest  to  the  Union.  The  Commission  will  promote, 

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within the framework of the recent Communication on the EU's Outermost Regions, both the 
development of their maritime potential and their cooperation with regional neighbours. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  promote,  within  the  forthcoming  tourism  initiative,,  coastal  and  maritime 

tourism;  

•  prepare a data-base on Community funding available for maritime projects 
and  coastal  regions,  and  will  develop  by  2009  a  database  on  socioeconomic 
data for maritime sectors and coastal regions; 

•  propose a Community Disaster Prevention Strategy highlighting the risks to 

which coastal regions are exposed; 

•  promote the development of the maritime potential of Outermost regions and 

islands. 

4.4. 

Promoting Europe's Leadership in International Maritime Affairs 

The  EU  will  work  towards  more  efficient  international  governance  of  maritime  affairs  and 
effective  enforcement  of  international  maritime  law,  urging  Member  states  to  ratify  the 
relevant instruments. It will promote coordination of European interests in key international 
fora. 

Access  to  international  markets  for  Europe's  maritime  industries  and  services,  sustainable 
scientific  and  commercial  exploitation  of  the  deep  seas,  protection  of  global  marine 
biodiversity, improvement of maritime safety and security, working conditions, reduced ship 
pollution  and  the  fight  against  illegal  activities  in  international  waters  will  be  the  external 
priorities for the Union's Integrated Maritime Policy.  

Attention will also be given to the geopolitical implications of climate change. In this context, 
the Commission will present in 2008 a report on strategic issues relating to the Arctic Ocean. 

Maritime affairs will be a regular topic in discussions with the EU’s partners that have already 
taken  steps  towards  an  integrated  maritime  approach,  such  as  Australia,  Canada,  Japan, 
Norway and the US, as well as with other partners such as Brazil, China, India and Russia. 

The  EU  will  also  develop  shared  responsibility  over  the  seas  it  shares  with  its  closest 
neighbours. In particular, it will make proposals for increased co-operation in managing the 
Mediterranean and the Black Seas. It will promote cooperation on maritime affairs under the 
Northern  Dimension  of  its  external  relations'  policy  and  will  bring  maritime  affairs  into  the 
EU's agenda of cooperation with developing states, including small island developing states. 
In  this  context  it  will  support  maritime  policy  and  law  of  the  sea  capacity  building  in 
developing countries. 

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The  Commission  will  propose  an  Implementing  Agreement  of  UNCLOS17  on  marine 
biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction and work towards successful conclusion of 
international negotiations on Marine Protected Areas on the high seas. 

17 

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

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•  The Commission will: 

•  promote  cooperation under  the Enlargement  and  European  Neighbourhood 
Policies,  and  the  Northern  Dimension  to  cover  maritime  policy  issues  and 
management of shared seas; 

•  propose a strategy for the external projection of the Union's Maritime Policy 

through a structured dialogue with major partners. 

4.5. 

Raising the Visibility of Maritime Europe 

Stakeholders have clearly expressed the view that the process of developing an EU Maritime 
Policy has been useful in raising public awareness of the value of the maritime economy and 
heritage, and is creating a sense of common purpose and identity between stakeholders.  

An  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  should  seek  to  raise  the  visibility  of  Maritime  Europe,  and 
improve the image of maritime activities and the seafaring professions. 

It  should  also  promote  Europe's  maritime  heritage,  supporting  maritime  communities, 
including  port-cities  and  traditional  fisheries  communities,  their  artefacts  and  traditional 
skills, and promoting links between them that enhance their knowledge and visibility. 

•  The Commission will: 

•  launch a European Atlas of the Seas as an educational tool and as a means of 

highlighting our common maritime heritage; 

•  propose the celebration of an annual European Maritime Day as from 2008, 
raising  the  visibility  of  maritime  affairs  and  promoting  links  between 
maritime heritage organisations, museums and aquaria.  

5. 

CONCLUSION 

The  European  Council  of  June  2007  has  welcomed  the  wide  debate  that  has  taken  place  in 
Europe  on  the  future  Maritime  Policy.  Heads  of  State  and  Governments  invited  the 
Commission  to  come  forward  with  a  European  Action  Plan  to  be  presented  in  October. 
Taking into account the principle of subsidiarity, this Action Plan aims at exploring the full 
potential of sea-based economic activity in an environmentally sustainable manner. 

Through this Communication and the attached Action Plan the Commission responds to this 
request  by  the  European  Council,  taking  account  of  the  opinions  expressed  by  the  other 
European  Institutions,  Member  States'  governments,  Parliaments  and  a  large  number  of 
stakeholders18. 

The  Commission  invites  the  European  Council,  the  Council  of  Ministers  and  the  European 
Parliament, as well the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the 

18 

See for details Conclusions from the Consultation on a European Maritime Policy - COM(2007) 574, 
10.10.2007. 

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Regions,  national  and  regional  authorities  and  other  stakeholders  to  respond  proactively  to 
this policy. 

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