Commission staff working document - Accompanying document to the Report from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Progress report on the EU's integrated maritime policy {COM(2009) 540}
Date: 2009-10-15
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: biodiversity, climate change, freedom of navigation, governance, marine ecosystem, maritime safety, report, shipping policy, the EU's international role

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 15.10.2009 
SEC(2009) 1343 final 

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 

Accompanying document to the 

REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND 
THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE EU'S INTEGRATED MARITIME POLICY 

{COM(2009) 540} 

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This document contains details of the various actions and activities pursued with regard to the 
implementation  of  the  Blue  Paper  Action  Plan1  (AP)  under  the  Integrated  Maritime  Policy 
(IMP). Items are given under the general headings of the Action Plan. A heading on sea basin 
related activities has been added, reflecting the developments since the AP has been adopted 
by the Commission.  

In  addition  related  activities  undertaken  by  the  Commission  and  by  Member  States  in 
response to the issues raised in the Blue Paper are reported under the same general thematic 
headings. 

A number of issues relevant to the IMP have been addressed in the broader context of other 
policies (e.g. on climate change or energy). Where this is the case, the relevant documents are 
identified and the precise reference is given. 

A  summary  table  of  the  specific  actions  under  the  Action  Plan  with  document  references 
(with  all  web  links)  can  be  found  at  the  end.  The  implementation  of  the  Action  plan  has 
progressed well: Of the 65 actions in the plan, 56 have been launched or completed (mostly in 
the  form  of  Commission  or  Council  acts),  some  with  minor  delays.  On  9  actions  no 
documents  are  adopted  yet.  Following  the  first  conceptual  phase,  the  Commission  and 
Member  States  are  now  focusing  efforts  on  the  concretisation  and  implementation  on  the 
ground, with additional activities in all relevant policy areas pursued where needed. 

1 

An  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  for  the  European  Union,  COM(2007)  575  final  of  10.10.2007  and 
SEC(2007) 1278 of 10.10.2007 

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Table of contents 

I. 
I-1 

I-2 

I-3 

I-4 
I-5 
I-6 
I-7 

II. 
II-1 
II-2 
II-3 

II-4 
II-5 
II-6 
II-7 
II-8 

III. 
III-1 
III-2 
III-3 

IV. 
IV-1 
IV-2 
IV-3 
IV-4 

IV-5 
IV-6 

IV-7 

IV-8 

IV-9 
IV-10 

IV-11 
IV-12 

Maritime governance 
Communication "Guidelines on an Integrated Approach to Maritime Policy: 
Towards Best Practices in Integrated Maritime Governance and Stakeholder 
Consultation" 
Functioning of Commission structures ensuring an integrated governance 
approach to maritime policy 
Activities of other EU Institutions with regard to integrated maritime 
governance 
Member States activities on integrated maritime governance 
Stakeholder dialogue 
Horizontal cooperation on governance 
Report on regulatory concerns  

Activities in relation to the sea basins 
Communication on the European Union and the Arctic Region 
EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region 
Communication "Towards an Integrated Maritime Policy for better 
governance in the Mediterranean" 
Communication on the Outermost Regions 
Implementation of Black Sea Synergy  
Cooperation between the Commission and the regions 
Cooperation within sea-basins 
Report on the application of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 

Tools for integrated policy making 
Roadmap for Maritime Spatial Planning 
European maritime surveillance  
Marine knowledge 

Maximising the sustainable use of the oceans and seas 
Marine Strategy Framework Directive  
European Economic Recovery Plan 
Climate and energy package  
Off-Shore Wind Energy Communication and off-shore energy supply 
connections  
Second Strategic Energy Review 
Green Paper "Towards a Secure, Sustainable and Competitive European 
Energy Network" 
Strategic goals and recommendations for the EU’s maritime transport policy 
until 2018 
Communication and action plan with a view to establishing a European 
maritime transport space without barriers  
Implementation of the third maritime safety package 
Commission proposal on amending Directive 2005/35/EC on ship source 
pollution introducing penalties for infringements 
Ports Policy 
Proposal for a Council Directive on the Maritime Labour Convention 

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IV-13 

IV-14 

Proposal for a Council Decision authorising Member States to ratify the ILO 
"Work in Fishing Convention" 
Reassessment of the exclusion of maritime workers from parts of the 
European labour and social legislation 

IV-15  Maritime employment, training and certification of seafarers 
IV-16 

The impact of the economic crisis on shipbuilding and the future of the 
programme LeaderSHIP 2015 
Study on the role of Maritime Clusters to enhance the strength and 
development in maritime sectors 

IV-17 

IV-18  Workshop on Maritime Clusters in landlocked countries 
IV-19 
IV-20 
IV-21 
IV-22 
IV-23 
IV-24 
IV-25 

Prolongation of the existing state aid rules for shipbuilding 
Competition and state aid rules for maritime transport 
Antitrust investigations in the ship classification sector 
Study on tourist facilities in ports 
Air pollution and GHG emissions from ships  
Communication on "An EU Strategy for Better Ship Dismantling" 
Green paper on the Common Fisheries Policy and reform of the fisheries 
control regulation 
Regulation against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing 
Actions against destructive fishing practices 
Guardians of the Sea 
Community initiatives for the protection of marine biodiversity 

Building a knowledge and innovation base for the maritime policy  
European marine and maritime research 
Communication on a Marine and Maritime Research Strategy 

Delivering the highest quality of life in coastal regions 
Adapting to Climate Change 
Study on "The Economics of Climate Change Adaptation in EU Coastal 
Areas" 
Community approach on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters 
Annual bathing water reports 
Database on projects in maritime regions 

Promoting Europe's leadership in international maritime affairs  
Assessment of the EU’s profile in international maritime fora 
Communication "Developing the international dimension of the Integrated 
Maritime Policy of the European Union" 
Commission initiatives for the prevention and suppression of maritime piracy 

IV-26 
IV-27 
IV-28 
IV-29 

V. 
V-1 
V-2 

VI. 
VI-1 
VI-2 

VI-3 
VI-4 
VI-5 

VII. 
VII-1 
VII-2 

VII-3 

Raising the visibility of maritime Europe 
European Maritime Day 2008 and 2009 
European Atlas of the Seas 

VIII. 
VIII-1 
VIII-2 
VIII-3  Workshop on Europe's maritime cultural heritage 
VIII-4  Maritime statistics - Key figures for coastal regions and sea areas 

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I. 

Maritime governance (AP chapter 2) 

I-1 

Communication  "Guidelines  on  an  Integrated  Approach  to  Maritime  Policy:
Towards  Best  Practices  in  Integrated  Maritime  Governance  and  Stakeholder
Consultation" - COM(2008) 395 final of 26.06.2008 

the  Commission  adopted 

In  June  2008, 
the 
announcement  in  the  Action  Plan  on  an  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  that  the  Commission 
would  issue  guidelines  to  assist  Member  States  in  drawing  up  national  integrated  maritime 
policies based on common principles and stakeholder involvement.  

the  above  Communication  following 

This Communication provides guidance on how to introduce integrated maritime governance 
and stakeholder consultation, based on common elements observed in integrated approaches 
to maritime affairs in the EU and elsewhere. It also presents an approach for sharing website 
and contact information on initiatives for maritime governance and stakeholder  consultation 
as  a  tool  for  collective  learning.  It  invites  Member  States  to  provide  information  on  their 
approach to maritime governance on the internet. To this end, information sheets have been 
prepared to support the exchange of best practices in maritime governance. 

European affairs ministers discussed the Guidelines at the Ministerial Conference in Brest on 
13  July  2008,  when  they  agreed  to  proceed  with  the  exchange  of  information  and  good 
practice. To this end, they agreed to provide the requested information on national approaches 
to integrated maritime governance by April 2009.  

In a number of Member States and regions integrated approaches and strategies exist or are 
being developed. More information is given below and on-line2. 

I-2 

Functioning of Commission structures ensuring an integrated governance approach
to maritime policy 

Steering Group of Commissioners:  

Within  the  Commission,  a  Steering  Group  of  Commissioners  provides  the  upstream  co-
ordination and maximises the impact of the IMP. It was set up in 2005 to develop joint and 
coherent  decision-making  in  relation  to  the  oceans  and  seas.  This  work  is  led  by  a 
coordinating group. Currently 10 Commissioners participate in the Steering Group meeting at 
least  once  per  year.  In  2009,  the  meeting  took  place  on  28  January.  Previous  meetings  had 
been held on 10 October 2007 (upon the adoption of the Blue Paper) and on 23 July 2008.  

Maritime Policy Interservice Group:  

The  Interservice  Group  (ISG),  involving  28  Directorates-General  of  the  Commission, 
supports  the  Steering  Group  of  Commissioners  and  monitors  day-to-day  progress  on  EU 
Integrated Maritime Policy. The ISG meets at 6-week intervals and provides the core of the 
integrative nature of the IMP within the Commission.  

Member States Expert Group:  

The  Member  States  Expert  Group  brings  together  national  public  servants  to  exchange 
information about the organisation of maritime governance nationally and at EU level and to 

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http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/memberstates_en.html 

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provide a basis for the exchange of best practices. At the first meeting after the presentation of 
the Blue Paper on 11 March 2008 the new structure and work in progress on the Action Plan 
was  presented,  which  led  to  fruitful  exchanges  on  the  main  projects  under  way.  The  MS 
Experts  Group  meets  regularly  every  two  to  three  months  to  discuss  progress  in 
implementation of Integrated Maritime Policy at national and EU level. 

I-3 

Activities of other EU Institutions with regard to integrated maritime governance 

The European Council:  

The  European  Council  welcomed  the  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  at  its  meeting  of  14 
December 20073, and invited the Commission to present a progress report by the end of 2009 
and to present a Baltic Sea Regional Strategy by June 2009.  

The Council:  

A  Friends  of  the  Presidency  Group  met  at  the  initiative  of  the  French  Presidency  on  26 
November 2008 in order to discuss the draft conclusions of the General Affairs and External 
Relations Council, focusing on the issues of governance, innovation and surveillance, while 
encompassing  a  large  number  of  maritime  policy  actions.  In  its  conclusions  of  8  December 
20084  the  Council  recognised  the  IMP's  cross-cutting  nature.  The  Council  furthermore 
welcomed  specific  initiatives  announced  under  this  policy,  e.g.  in  its  conclusions  on  a 
European Strategy for Maritime and Marine Research and on an Arctic Strategy. 

Presidency High-Level Focal Points Group on IMP:  

Regular  political  contacts  among  Member  States  and  with  the  Commission  are  ensured 
through  the  High-Level  Focal  Points  Group  which  provides  the  strategic  orientation  of  the 
IMP. The High-Level Focal Points Group was set up at the initiative of a number of Member 
States under the Portuguese Presidency at the end of 2007. Since the first semester of 2008, it 
aims  to  meet  at  least  twice  a  year,  under  the  chairmanship  of  the  Presidency  to  discuss  the 
main priorities and overall progress on Integrated Maritime Policy. A first meeting, organised 
by Slovenia, took place on 22 April 2008. The second meeting was held on 14 October 2008 
under the French Presidency. Both meetings took place in Brussels. In 2009, a meeting was 
held  in  conjunction  with  the  European  Maritime  Day  on  18  May  in  Rome,  chaired  by  the 
Swedish  Presidency  upon  request  of  the  Czech  Presidency,  with  another  meeting  that  took 
place under the Swedish Presidency on 1 October 2009 in Stockholm. 

The European Parliament:  
The European Parliament adopted a positive, supportive report5 on the Blue Paper and Action 
Plan on 20 May 2008 (rapporteur: Willi PIECYK (†), DE/PSE), welcoming the Commission 
plans and calling for specific actions in a number of maritime policy areas. 

The EP resolution on "The regional development aspects of the impact of tourism on coastal 
regions"  was  adopted  in  plenary  on  18  December  20086  (rapporteur:  Jamila  MADEIRA, 
PT/PSE). As part of the development of the report, a study on tourism analysing the potential 

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Council document 16616/1/07 REV 1 
Council document 16503/1/08 REV 1 
A6-0163/2008 (Committee on Transport and Tourism) 
Motion  for  a  European  Parliament  resolution  on  the  regional  development  aspects  of  the  impact  of 
tourism on coastal regions (2008/2132(INI)) 

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development of coastal tourism and the consequences for regional policy was presented in the 
EP's  Regional  Development  Committee  on  26  June  2008.  Coastal  and  maritime  tourism 
already provide a high number of jobs and guarantee a high standard of living in the coastal 
regions. The potential for more and better jobs must be realised by dealing with the particular 
problems  coastal  tourism  is  facing  and  which  are  comprehensively  described  in  the  study 
report. 

In  its  resolution  on  the  Green  Paper  on  Territorial  Cohesion  adopted  on  24  March  2009 
(rapporteur:  Lambert  VAN  NISTELROOIJ,  NL/PPE-DE)7,  the  European  Parliament 
emphasises "that territorial cohesion has both a land and a maritime dimension". The report 
also "stresses the importance of the integrated development of sea basins".  

Committee of the Regions:  
A  positive  report  on  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  was  adopted  on  9  April  20088  (rapporteur: 
Saima Kalev, EE/UEN-EA). On 17 June 2009, the CoR adopted an opinion on a "Coastal and 
Maritime package"9 (rapporteur: Michel Delebarre, FR/PES), which brings together key IMP 
developments  such  as  Maritime  Governance,  the  roadmap  for  maritime  spatial  planning,  a 
common  transport  space  without  barriers,  guidelines  on  state  aid  to  ports,  and  the  maritime 
transport  strategy  up  to  2018.  This  cross-sector  opinion  demonstrates  the  willingness  of 
regions  as  key  stakeholders  of  the  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  to  see  Europe  working  in  a 
more integrated fashion, overcoming policy fragmentation. With regard to territorial cohesion, 
in  its  opinion  adopted  on  11  February  200910  (rapporteur:  Yves  Le  Drian,  President  of  the 
Brittany Regional Council), the CoR considers that "territorial cohesion is not an exclusively 
“land-based”  notion:  also  the  territories  of  the  European  seas  -  numerously  interlinked  with 
land-based activities and since 2005 addressed by the European Maritime Policy - should be 
included in the policy approach of territorial cohesion; many land-based policies and policy 
tools are also relevant for the European seas". 

Economic and Social Committee:  
A supportive report on Integrated Maritime Policy was adopted on 14 April 200811. 

I-4  Member States activities on integrated maritime governance 

A number of countries have taken steps towards more integrated governance. At the time of 
the  Green  Paper,  only  a  few  initiatives  for  integrated  approaches  in  Member  States  existed. 
Two  countries,  France  and  the  Netherlands,  reported  having  the  administrative  structure  in 
place  to  organise  policy  coordination  of  sea-related  matters.  Portugal  had  then  already 
initiated concrete work towards an ocean strategy. 

Since then Member States all over Europe took a considerable number of initiatives towards 
integration of Maritime Policy and have made remarkable progress12: 

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PE 415.290v01-00. 
CoR 22/2008 fin, adopted on 9 April 2008 
CoR 416/2008 fin, adopted on 17 June 2009 
CoR 274/2008 fin., adopted on 11 February 2009 
O.J. 2008/C 211/07 
See also here for updated information on individual countries:  
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/memberstates_en.html 

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In  Belgium  there  is  a  Minister  for  North  Sea  Affairs.  Belgium  also  created  a  coordinated 
coastguard system (including maritime rescue coordination service and marine information). 
Belgium  reviewed  and  modernised  its  maritime  legislation  and  created  a  framework  for 
maritime spatial planning.  

Bulgaria  has  created  an  inter-ministerial  committee  to  coordinate  maritime  affairs  to 
formulate a strategy on IMP. A draft strategy is currently undergoing consultation with civil 
society.  Bulgaria  established  a  national  maritime  cluster  which  she  considers  an  important 
instrument  to  trigger  innovation  and  growth.  An  integrated  governance  structure  as  well  as 
awareness-raising  (through  e.g.  workshops,  round  tables  and  conferences)  are  considered 
important achievements. 

The  Czech  Republic  has  established  an  inter-ministerial  group  led  by  the  Minister  for 
Europe.  The  integrated  approach,  the  environmental  benefits,  economic  opportunities  and 
enhancing  maritime  security  are  considered  key  achievements  of  the  Integrated  Maritime 
Policy. 

Denmark has supported the IMP both at the EU and the international level. Denmark has a 
long  standing  tradition  of  integrating  policy  and  the  Deputy  Prime  Minister  leads  works  to 
join up all bodies, national and regional, linked to maritime affairs. The Danish policy focuses 
on governance and growth and employment in harmony with the environment. 

Germany underlines two dimensions of governance: the institutional approach and national 
governance structures, and emphasizes the importance of dialogue, in order to raise citizens' 
awareness  of  maritime  issues  and  with  regards  to  the  need  to  look,  beyond  the  current 
economic crisis, at growth opportunities from the sea.  

The  Federal  Ministry  of  Transport,  Building  and  Urban  Affairs  (BMVBS)  steers  the 
integrated  maritime  policy.  Overall  co-ordination  and  industrial  aspects  are  covered  by  a 
Secretary  of  State  in  the  Federal  Ministry  for  Economy  and  Technology.  The  German 
government adopted, on 1 April 2009, guidelines for an "Entwicklungsplan Meer" (maritime 
development plan). These guidelines form the basis for an integrated maritime policy of the 
Federal  government.  Germany  has  established  inter  ministerial  working  structures  for  the 
IMP, created a web based interface to follow recent developments and a structured dialogue 
with stakeholders.  

On 29 April 2009 Ireland announced the creation of a marine coordination group13. The Irish 
Taoiseach  charged  the  Minister  of  State  with  special  responsibility  for  fisheries  and  the 
marine  with  the  establishment  of  this  Inter-Departmental  Marine  Co-ordinating  Group  to 
cooperate on maritime issues, with the support of the Marine Institute for sound knowledge 
inputs.  

Greece  has  created  an  inter-ministerial  committee  to  drive  the  cross-sectoral  approach. 
Governance  had  been  further  improved  by  the  merger  of  responsibilities  in  the  Ministry  of 
Mercantile Marine and the Aegean and the Island Policy, to bring about a change in the way 
of thinking about policies towards the seas, the coasts and the islands.  

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http://www.irishpressreleases.ie/2009/04/29/killeen-announces-inter-departmental-marine-coordinating-  
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Spain has set up a General Secretariat for the Sea in the Ministry for the Environment, which 
covers  a  large  proportion  of  maritime  issues  including  fisheries.  Two  major  issues  are 
surveillance  and  spatial  planning.  Concerning  the  latter,  the  push  for  renewable  energy 
required a study on the possible location of offshore wind parks. In turn this led to identifying 
zones  used  for  other  purposes  and  to  gathering  data  on  the  marine  environment.  On 
surveillance,  Spain  is  participating  in  the  pilot  project  on  marine  surveillance  in  the 
Mediterranean. 

France launched the Grenelle de la Mer14 on 27 February 2009, applying the principles from 
the  "Grenelle  de  l'Environment",  its  long-term  policy  vision  on  ecological  and  sustainable 
development15,  to the oceans,  seas  and coasts. Representatives of sectors such as education, 
industry, environment, and research are taking part in the consultation process. There are four 
working groups:  the sea  and coasts, the sea and  the environment,  the  economic  potential of 
the  sea,  and  the  governance  of  the  seas.  The  working  groups  completed  their  works  in  mid 
2009,  proposing  a  list  of  measures.  Follow-up  will  be  through  a  meeting  of  the  Inter-
ministerial  Committee  of  the  Sea  led  by  the  Prime  Minister  to  adopt  the  objectives  for  an 
integrated maritime policy. In the office of the Prime Minister, the Secretary-General for the 
Sea is the key interlocutor on the IMP. In a landmark speech President Sarkozy announced on 
16  July  2009  various  actions  on  maritime  policy,  based  on  an  integrated  approach  and 
culminating in a Blue Paper by the end of the year. 

Italy has established an expert group drawn from the administration and stakeholders which 
contributed to the Green Paper and the Blue Paper. The work focuses on: 

-  The  sea  basin  approach  which  allows  acknowledging 
the 
Mediterranean.  Italy  is  working  with  other  EU  countries  and  with  third  countries  in  the 
region; 
- Maritime surveillance, where Italy is participating in the pilot project on surveillance in the 
Mediterranean; 
-  Maritime  clusters,  with  the  launch  of  a  new  Technology  Platform  of  Mediterranean  and 
Black Seas (PTMB) for maritime industry and researchers under FP7. 

the  particularities  of 

The Netherlands applies inter-ministerial coordination as regards sea related matters and an 
integrated management of the sea space. Having reviewed their approach in 2008, assessing 
the  governance  structures  in  terms  of  the  Commission's  guidelines  and  its  maritime  spatial 
planning  system  against  the  Commission's  Roadmap,  the  government  of  the  Netherlands 
presented in December 2008 a National Water Plan to protect the country against threats from 
water and seize the opportunities that derive from it. The plan addresses water management in 
general, but sea related matters are comprised in it. The Plan will be followed by legislation 
and a concrete action to invest in flood protection and defence.  

In Poland an inter-ministerial committee had been set up to develop an integrated approach to 
maritime  policy.  It  has  produced  a  first  document  ("Guidelines  on  maritime  policy  of  the 
Republic of Poland"), adopted on 18 March 2009, which sets out the principles and objectives 
for maritime policy. These guidelines aim at upgrading the maritime dimension in all areas of 
the country's development and are meant to be a basis for a future regulatory system based on 

14 

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Rue  Grenelle  is  a  street  in  Paris  which  became  a  symbol  of  social  dialogue  in  1968.  The  leading 
department for the Grenelle is the Ministère de l'Ecologie, de l'Energie, du Développement durable et 
de L'Aménagement du territoire, assisted by the Secrétariat Général de la Mer. 
For more information see here: http://www.legrenelle-environnement.fr/ 

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an  integrated  approach  to  maritime  affairs.  The  document  was  submitted  for  public 
consultation and has in the meantime been submitted to the Council of Ministers for adoption. 

Portugal  adopted  a  National  Ocean  Strategy  in  2006  and  policy  development  is  led  by  an 
inter-ministerial  task  force.  On  the  basis  of  the  Portuguese National  Strategy  for  the  Sea  an 
inter-ministerial committee took concrete measures. On 7 May 2008, a stakeholder forum was 
launched.  

During  its  Presidency  in  the  first  half  of  2008,  Slovenia  presented  a  maritime  action 
programme  and  announced  to  organise  this  process  through  an  inter-ministerial  Working 
group. 

Finland  has  embraced  the  integration  of  maritime  policy  with  an  inter-ministerial  working 
group  led  by  the  Prime  Minister's  office.  The  working  group  discusses  maritime  affairs  in 
both  European  and  national  terms.  The  government  has  issued  a  statement  on  Baltic  Sea 
policy also in light of the EU's strategic approach. 

Sweden  has  advanced  its  integrated  approach  to  maritime  affairs  with  a  Bill,  adopted  on  5 
March  2009  and  proposing  "A  coherent  Swedish  maritime  policy".  The  principles  largely 
follow those of the EU Blue Paper: 

-  Resources  must  be  used  sustainably,  restoring  natural  resources  while  enabling  industrial 
competitiveness and growth; 
- There must be cross-sectoral integration and integrated policy solutions; 
- Regional and international cooperation in the Baltic Sea Basin must be strengthened; 
- The involvement of maritime stakeholders should be encouraged. 

The Bill presents an all-encompassing vision on how to achieve sustainable use of maritime 
and  coastal  resources  through  an  integrated  approach.  It  has  a  strong  focus  on  EU  and 
regional  co-operation  and  stakeholder  involvement  with  the  aim  of  creating  a  sense  of 
partnership, working together for sustainable growth in coastal regions and maritime sectors.  

In  the  United  Kingdom  a  "Marine  and  Coastal  Access  Bill"  is  currently  before  the  British 
Parliament.  This  Bill  represents  all-encompassing  framework  legislation  for  integrated 
management  of  the  sea  in  an  environmentally  sustainable  way,  including  the  creation  of  a 
marine  management  organisation,  licensing  and  conservation  measures.  The  "high  level" 
objectives  were  published  in  April  2009.  These  are  "achieving  a  sustainable  marine 
economy", "ensuring a strong, healthy and just society", "living within environmental limits", 
"promoting  good  governance",  and  "using  sound  science  responsibly".  The  next  step  is  to 
translate  these  objectives  into  a  "Marine  Policy  Statement"  which  the  UK  Government  and 
Devolved Administrations will be developing over the next two years. 

Many  of  such  integrated  initiatives  are  coordinated  or  combined  with  requirements  such  as 
those under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive or the Recommendation on Integrated 
Coastal Zone Management. 

I-5 

Stakeholder dialogue 

The consultation process that followed the Green Paper on Maritime Policy demonstrated the 
endorsement by all stakeholders of an integrated, inter-sectoral approach. The Blue Paper and 
the  Communication  outlining  the  main  components  for  integrated  maritime  governance  laid 
down that the principle of stakeholder participation is a key prerequisite for a proper maritime 

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governance  framework.  Dialogue  with  stakeholders  remains  a  key  issue  during  the 
implementation  phase,  for  example  stakeholder  involvement  is  one  of  the  ten  principles  of 
Maritime Spatial Planning as set out in the Roadmap on this subject. 

As a follow up to the Blue Paper, stakeholders took the initiative of setting up a platform of 
different  stakeholder  groups  in  the  spirit  of  the  integrated,  all-embracing  approach.  In 
November  2008,  the  European  Coastal  and  Marine  Union  launched  the  Venice  Platform 
initiative16,  as  a  first  step  towards  such  an  overarching  forum.  The  initiative  is  headed  by 
Johan  Vande  Lanotte,  the  former  deputy  Prime  Minister  of  Belgium.  The  proposed 
stakeholder platform was further discussed at EMD Conference in Rome on 18-20 May 2009. 
To prepare for the next phase, a steering group, composed of representatives from industry, 
regions, environmental NGOs, science communities and users of the sea, has been set up to 
define the objectives, working methods and future actions of the platform. 

The  European  Commission  pursues  an  intensive  dialogue  with  a  great  number  of  maritime 
stakeholders  at  EU  and  regional  (sea-basin)  levels.  In  the  Blue  Paper  the  Commission 
undertook to organise a stakeholder consultation structure.  

The European Maritime Day (see VIII-1), set out in the Joint Tripartite Declaration signed by 
the  Presidents  of  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council  of  the  EU  and  the  European 
Commission on 20 May 2008, is a key element of this dialogue. A project started in January 
2009 to develop an interactive web tool which will serve as a common web-based platform to 
facilitate communication and to publish and access information and services devoted to those 
in the European Commission and Member States concerned with maritime policy. 

I-6  Horizontal  cooperation  on  governance 

(industry,  regions,  NGOs,  science

communities and others) 

Maritime Industries: 

The  Commission  is  engaged  in  a  structural  dialogue  with  industry  through  the  Maritime 
Industries Forum (MIF) and the European  Network of Maritime Clusters. The MIF17 brings 
together  25  European  maritime  sector  associations.  It  conducts  specific  work  in  working 
groups on the Environment, Human Resources, RTD, Rules and Regulations, and Transport. 
General co-ordination is provided by a Co-ordination Group. The MIF plenary forum brings 
its  members  together  roughly  every  two  years  and  it  is  planned  to  have  a  full  MIF  Plenary 
meeting along European Maritime Day 2010 in Gijon, Spain.  
The  European  Network  of  Maritime  Clusters  (ENMC)18,  with  Denmark,  Finland,  France, 
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom 
participating,  was  founded  on  4  November  2005  in  Paris  by  maritime  organisations  of  ten 
countries,  with  the  objective  to  learn  from  each  other  and  to  promote  and  strengthen  the 
maritime  clusters  of  Member  States  and  Europe  as  a  whole.  The  basis  for  this  founding 
session  was  created  during  a  first  meeting  which  took  place  in  The  Hague  on  26-27  April 
2004,  and  a  joint-presentation  of  the  various  maritime  clusters  at  the  Maritime  Industries 
Forum Plenary Session on 26 January 2005 in Bremen. The ENMC has organised itself as a 

16 
17 
18 

http://www.eucc.nl/veniceplatform/ 
http://www.mif-eu.org/ 
http://www.european-network-of-maritime-clusters.eu/ 

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flexible network in which members cooperate on a voluntary basis for issues related to their 
national agendas, and in a more structured way for actions at the European level. 

Coastal regions: 
The  Conference  of  Peripheral  Maritime  Regions  (CPMR)19,  which  brings  together  ca.  160 
European  coastal  regions,  closely  follows  the  progress  of  the  Action  Plan  through  regular 
discussion/reporting at the meetings of the Aquamarina working group, set up to monitor IMP 
actions  at  regional  level.  The  CPMR  is  an  important  partner  of  the  Commission  in  the 
development of the regional aspects of the IMP. As a vast network, the CPMR facilitates the 
development of cooperation projects between its members. It helps to bring them into being 
and run them, and directly invests in some of them. As a political forum, the CPMR helps to 
articulate the common interests of peripheral and maritime regions at European level. Being 
the  first  body  to  have  brought  European  regions  together  for  discussion  and  debate,  it  has 
acquired an increasingly large audience over the years.  

The CPMR has acknowledged expertise and privileged access to information. It provides its 
member  regions  and  European  partners  with  sharp  analysis  on  topics  of  concern  for  their 
territories  and  it  works  to  ensure  that  the  interests  of  its  member  regions  are  taken  into 
account when EU legislation is being prepared. 

Regional  stakeholders  very  much  welcomed  the  recognition  of  the  regions  as  fully  fledged 
partners  in  the  IMP.  Regions  have  also  taken  some  major  initiatives  towards  integrated 
maritime governance, including for example: 

- The first regional action plans on Integrated Maritime Policy — the Asturias Maritime Plan 
and the Schleswig-Holstein Maritime Action Plan — were presented in a 2007 publication of 
the Commission20 and in Brussels on 16 November 200821, respectively. 
- A similar presentation of the Brittany coast charter was held in Brussels on 3 March 200922.  
-  The  atlas  "Channel  Spaces  —  A  world  within  Europe"23,  produced  by  Arc  Manche  and 
supported  by  the  EU  through  the  INTERREG  IIIB  NWE  programme,  was  presented  in 
Brussels  on  26  November  2008,  and  can  be  considered  an  example  of  best  practice  in  the 
documentation of transnational maritime relations.  

The Commission's dialogue with stakeholder in the sea basins is built on the basis of existing 
regional sea fora, such as OSPAR24, HELCOM25 etc..  

Stakeholder  relations  are  also  an  important  component  in  the  development  of  regional  sea 
strategies,  as  presented  already  for  the  Baltic  Sea  and  the  Arctic  and  in  the  strategy  for 
governance of maritime affairs in the Mediterranean (see II-3). 

Maritime and marine research community: 

The  dialogue  with  marine  and  maritime  research  is  well  developed,  following  a  strong 
commitment of the research community already since the launch of the Green Paper in 2007. 

19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 

http://www.crpm.org/ 
See "inforegio panorama", No. 23 of September 2007, ISSN 1608-389X 
Landesinitiative Zukunft Meer, see http://www.schleswig-holstein.de 
Charte des espaces côtiers Bretons, see http://www.bretagne.fr/ 
Espace Manche : un monde en Europe, see http://www.arcmanche.com 
http://www.ospar.org/ 
http://www.helcom.fi/ 

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Existing mechanisms for dialogue, including the Waterborne Technology Platform26 and the 
Marine  Board  of  the  European  Science  Foundation27,  issued  together  the  ‘Aberdeen 
Declaration’28 endorsing the idea for integration among marine and maritime research.  

Building  on  this,  the  Marine  and  Maritime  Research  Strategy  introduces  a  partnership  for 
scientists,  policy-makers,  industry  and  civil  society  to  define  shared  research  priorities,  to 
facilitate  joint  research  and  to  find  ways  of  improving  the  scientific  evidence  as  input  to 
maritime policies.  

Environmental NGOs and sea users: 

The  NGO  "Seas  at  Risk"  has  been  a  critical  partner  in  the  development  and  the 
implementation of the IMP29. This organisation is now pushing for an environmentally sound 
implementation  of  the  Action  Plan,  in  full  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Marine 
Strategy Framework Directive. 

Several NGOs have set up the "European Seas Environmental Cooperation" (ESEC) platform, 
in  response  to  marine  environmental  challenges.  The  ESEC  issued  a  joint  statement  on  20 
October 200830, mainly relating to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. 

The  dialogue  with  the  users  of  the  sea  (e.g.  European  Surfrider  Foundation31,  European 
Anglers Alliance32 etc.) is gaining momentum and has been a particular achievement during 
the European Maritime Day 2009 in Rome where sea users organised a number of side events. 

I-7 

Report on regulatory concerns - SEC(2008) 2993 of 2.12.2008 

In the Green Paper the Commission invited interested parties to report regulations that conflict 
with the goals of maritime policy. The response rate turned out to be very low. A report, in the 
form of a Staff Working Document, was published on 2 December 2008. 

In the light of the results, the Commission will not repeat this exercise, unless a specific need 
is brought to its attention. 

II. 

Activities in relation to the sea basins 

The Action Plan initially only foresaw a report on strategic issues for the EU relating to the 
Arctic  Ocean,  under  the  heading  of  external  relations.  However,  the  Blue  Paper  made  clear 
that  the  IMP  must  respond  to  regional  specificities.  The  European  Council  explicitly  asked 
that  those  specificities  are  taken  into  account  and  requested  a  strategy  for  the  Baltic  Sea 
Region33.  In  this  context,  the  Commission  then  also  developed  a  Communication  on  the 
implementation  of  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  in  the  Mediterranean  focussing  on  Maritime 

26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 

http://www.waterborne-tp.org/ 
http://www.esf.org/ 
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/declaration_en.html 
http://www.seas-at-risk.org/n2.php?page=44 
http://www.seas-at-risk.org/1mages/Joint%20Statement%20Final.pdf 
http://www.surfrider.eu/ 
http://www.eaa-europe.org/ 
Council document 16616/1/07 REV 1 of 14.02.2008 

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Governance (see II-3), in order to address specific issues in the Mediterranean, in particular 
with regard to governance challenges. Therefore, these activities are presented here together. 

II-1  Communication  on  the  European  Union  and  the  Arctic  Region  -  COM(2008)  763

final of 20.11.2008 

Further  to  the  Action  Plan,  which  called  for  a  report  on  the  EU’s  strategic  interests  in  the 
Arctic  Ocean  by  the  end  of  2008,  the  Commission  adopted  a  Communication  on  "The 
European Union and the Arctic Region" in November 2008.  

The Communication deals with the new challenges and opportunities facing an Arctic Ocean 
that  has  to  cope  with  a  rapidly  warming  climate  and  increased  human  activity.  The 
Commission proposes three broad objectives for the EU: protecting and preserving the Arctic, 
promoting the sustainable exploitation of its resources, and improving multilateral governance 
of the Arctic. The Communication recommends a series of steps to achieve these objectives in 
the areas of the environment, hydrocarbons, fisheries, shipping, research, indigenous peoples, 
the Arctic legal/political framework and cooperation with regional organisations.  

On  9-10  November  2008  in  Monaco,  the  French  Presidency  co-organised  a  Ministerial 
Conference on the Arctic together with the principality of Monaco. The conference focused 
on  the  issue  of  Arctic  observatories  and  monitoring.  The  principal  objective  was  to  give 
impetus to the creation of a network of Arctic observation stations. 

In  its  specific  conclusions  on  the  Arctic,  which  were  adopted  on  8  December  200834,  the 
General Affairs Council welcomed the Commission’s Communication on the European Union 
and the Arctic region, considering it to be "a first layer of an EU Arctic policy". It recognised 
that the Communication is also an important contribution to implementing the EU Integrated 
Maritime  Policy.  The  Council  agreed  that  the  proposals  for  action  contained  in  the 
Communication  should  be  the  subject  of  more  detailed  reflection  and  looked  forward  to 
further examining them in the first half of 2009. The Swedish Presidency will finish the work 
begun in the first semester of 2009. 

The  request  for  permanent  observer  status  for  the  European  Commission  was  postponed  by 
the  Arctic  Council  at  its  Tromsø  meeting  in  April  2009.  The  Commission  intends  to 
nevertheless enhance its input to the Arctic Council and to contribute to the substantive work 
of its specialised groups. Dialogue with the Arctic States and with indigenous communities, 
inter alia with the Inuit, has been intensified. 

Under  the  existing  framework  contract,  the  Commission  commissioned  two  studies  in 
December 2008 and July 2009 on national legal regimes applicable to shipping activities in 
the  Arctic  and  the  compatibility  of  these  regimes  with  the  international  law.  Moreover,  the 
Commission  is  funding  the  Arctic  TRANSFORM  project35  whose  objectives  is  to  develop 
transatlantic  policy  options  for  supporting  adaptation  in  the  marine  Arctic  environment.  It 
places  a  special  emphasis  on  involving  a  broad  range  of  stakeholders  to  address  the  major 
climate issues facing the region. 

34 
35 

Council document 16826/08. 
http://arctic-transform.org/ 

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II-2  EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region - COM(2009) 248 final of 10.06.2009 

In June 2009, under the request of the European Council and after an extensive consultation 
with national and regional governments, business, NGOs, academia, the Commission adopted 
an  EU  strategy  for  the  Baltic  Sea  Region.  This  is  the  first  EU  macro-regional  strategy, 
addressing  environmental  challenges,  energy  and  transport  related  issues,  economic  growth 
potential as well as health, safety and security issues. The Commission recognises that many 
of  the  challenges  in  the  region  can  only  be  met  by  good  cooperation  with  Russia  and 
recommends  boosting cooperation  through  existing  initiatives,  such as Northern  Dimension. 
The strategy takes the form of a communication and an action plan with a list of 80 flagship 
projects, some of which have already been launched. The Strategy will be a living document, 
with a first review already foreseen in 2011.  

With  its  strong  maritime  dimension  the  strategy  also  constitutes  an  important  first  step 
towards the regional implementation of the IMP in the Baltic. More than 1/3 of the actions are 
of  maritime  nature.  In  addition  to  a  series  of  actions  for  the  protection  of  the  marine 
environment, highlighted as a priority by the Environmental Council in December 2007, other 
priorities  for  maritime  actions  are  maritime  spatial  planning,  sustainable  fisheries,  clean 
shipping  and  integration  of  maritime  surveillance  systems.  In  addition,  the  Action  Plan 
contains  actions  such  as  the  development  of  integrated  maritime  governance  structures, 
strengthening  maritime  clusters,  implementation  of  the  motorways  of  the  sea  and  short-sea 
shipping  as  well  as  maritime  transport  space  without  barriers,  enhanced  cooperation  in 
maritime research and education, sustainable tourism, including cruise tourism, and reinforced 
protection from major emergencies at sea. 

The  coherent  and  pro-active  implementation  of  maritime  actions  in  the  strategy  will  be  an 
important test case for the sea-basin approach. The implementation of a large number of the 
maritime actions will benefit from strengthened internal coordination within Member States in 
the  Baltic  Sea  Region,  as  well  as  cross-border  networks  between  these  integrated  maritime 
functions.  Thus  development  of  the  integrated  maritime  governance  structures  in  the  Baltic 
Sea Region is one of the horizontal actions.  

II-3  Communication  "Towards  an  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  for  better  governance  in

the Mediterranean", COM(2009) 466 final of 11.09.2009 

As  a  first  step  in  preparing  an  IMP  approach  to  the  Mediterranean  Sea  basin,  a  high-level 
conference, organised by the Commission, the Slovenian Presidency and the new University 
Centre for Euro-Mediterranean Studies (EMUNI)36, was held in Piran (Slovenia) on 10 June 
200837,  following  the  official  launch  of  the  EMUNI  centre.  This  conference  addressed 
Integrated Maritime Policy in the Mediterranean, with workshops focusing on themes such as 
governance,  environment,  sea  transport,  surveillance  and  research,  and  also  involved 
representatives of non-EU countries.  

A Communication entitled "Towards an Integrated Maritime Policy for better governance in 
the  Mediterranean"  was  adopted  by  the  Commission  on  11  September  2009,  aiming  at 
promoting  a  regional/sea-basin  approach  to  the  implementation  of  IMP,  provide  a  reference 
framework  for  the  launching  of  such  a  process,  and  stimulating  dialogue  and  cooperation 

36 
37 

http://www.emuni.si/en/ 
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/pdf/events/piran-conference-communique-10-June-2008.pdf. 

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between EU Member States and between the EU and the Mediterranean partners on maritime 
governance  across  the  whole  Mediterranean  sea  basin.  The  Communication  brings  out  key 
challenges inherent to the basin and proposes actions for the improvement of governance and 
the effective application of integrated governance tools. 

II-4  Communication on the Outermost Regions - COM(2008) 642 final of 24.10.2008 

On 24 October 2008, the Commission adopted a Communication on "The Outermost Regions: 
an  asset  for  Europe".  The  communication  responds  to  the  European  Council  conclusions  of 
December 2007,  which  called  for maritime policy to take  account  of the specificities of  the 
Member States and maritime regions calling for greater cooperation, including the islands and 
outermost  regions.  The  communication  strives  to  exploit  to  the  full  the  strengths  and 
comparative advantages enjoyed by the outermost regions compared to the European Union 
as a whole and neighbouring countries (e.g. a unique geostrategic situation, specific potential 
for  renewable  energy,  observation  and  monitoring  of  the  effects  of  climate  change,  and 
biodiversity). 

Maritime  policy  is  one  of  the  four  pillars  of  the  strategy.  The  Commission  will  continue 
whenever possible to adapt the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy to the specific characteristics 
of the outermost regions. It is currently working on the following priorities to expand the role 
of these regions in implementing the IMP: 

- Increasing knowledge of the marine environment in the outermost regions in the context of 
the  European  Marine  Observation  and  Data  Network  (EMODNet)  and  promoting  research 
under the Seventh RTD Framework Programme;  
-  Promoting  and  developing  the  outermost  regions  as  ideal  observatories  for  the  marine 
environment in Europe as part of the new Marine and Maritime Research Strategy; 
-  Encouraging  the  outermost  regions  to  play  a  strategic  role  in  maritime  governance  and 
monitoring  in  their  respective  regions,  specifically  by  developing  their  own  integrated 
regional  maritime  policies  and  maritime  spatial  plans  and  through  joint  activities  with  third 
countries; 

II-5 

Implementation of Black Sea Synergy 

The  Black  Sea  Synergy  Communication  was  adopted  in  April  200738.  It  includes  several 
objective related to the sea, such as the amendment of the Bucharest Convention to allow the 
EC  to  accede  to  it.  The  first  progress  report  on  its  implementation  was  adopted  on  20  June 
200839.  Other  work  on  the  Black  Sea  and  fisheries  includes  the  second  set  of  EU  fisheries 
management  measures  in  the  Black  Sea,  designed  to  fix  fishing  opportunities  and  attached 
conditions  for  certain  fish  stocks  in  the  Black  Sea  for  2009  (continuation  of  the  2008 
measures in Regulation 1579/2007).  

The  adoption  of  the  measures  for  2009  was  accompanied  by  the  following  Council  and 
Commission  statement:  "Cooperation  in  fisheries  matters  with  third  countries  bordering  the 
Black  Sea  should  be  promoted  through  a  regional  fisheries  management  organisation.  Steps 
will  be  taken  to  this  end,  involving  in  particular  the  Member  States  of  the  European  Union 
and the candidate countries which border the Black Sea." 

38 
39 

COM(2007) 160 final of 11.04.2007 
COM(2008) 391 final of 19.06.2008 

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A  decision  was  taken  recently  to  establish  Sectoral  Partnerships  in  the  framework  of  the 
BSSynergy in order to facilitate the implementation of regional projects by pooling together 
resources from the Community budget, interested EU Member States, International Financial 
Institutions and other actors, including private investors. In this context, Romania expressed 
its interest to be the lead partner for the Environmental Partnership, Greece for the Transport 
Partnership and Bulgaria for the Energy Partnership. 

Finally,  there  are  ongoing  negotiations  of  the  EU-Ukraine  Association  Agreement  which 
includes  under  the  Title  VIII:  Cooperation  policies  the  chapter  on  fisheries  and  maritime 
policy. This chapter was discussed for the first time during the 10th negotiation round held in 
Kiev  on  4-5  November  2008.  After  that  the  draft  legal  text  was  presented  and  discussed 
during  the  next  negotiation  round  in  Brussels  on  26  February  2009.  To  speed  up  the 
negotiation  process  a  series  of  videoconferences  on  fisheries  and  maritime  policy  was 
organised  throughout  April/July  2009.  A  common  agreement  on  the  text  on  fisheries  and 
maritime  policy  has  been  reached.  A  formal  negotiation  session  to  finalise  the  EU-Ukraine 
Association Agreement is scheduled for October 2009. 

II-6  Cooperation between the Commission and the regions 

Atlantic, outermost regions and Arctic 

With regard to the Arctic region, the Communication on the European Union and the Arctic 
Region emphasises the inclusion of indigenous communities and encourages stakeholders to 
provide  feedback  on  the  EU’s  Arctic-related  activities  via  the  maritime  policy  website. 
Dialogue is also ensured through the Arctic Council. 

Stakeholder dialogue is also ongoing with the outermost regions, mainly in the follow-up of 
the Communication on Outermost Regions. 

Mediterranean and the Black Sea 

In  order  to  identify  a  strategy  to  implement  an  integrated  maritime  policy  in  the 
Mediterranean,  the  Commission  has  embarked  on  a  series  of  meetings  with  stakeholders. 
These involved missions to the main Mediterranean capitals. The meetings are organised by 
or  in  close  cooperation  with  the  national  focal  point  for  maritime  affairs  in  the  specific  EU 
Member State and involve discussions with government representatives, NGOs, academia and 
industry on the various activities that impact on the sea, e.g. maritime transport, protection of 
the marine environment, clusters, marine research, etc.. 

There  has  also  been  outreach  to  coastal  regions,  in  particular  Provence-Alpes-Côte  d’Azur, 
Catalonia, Andalusia and Sicily. The goal is to have a permanent structural dialogue with the 
regions, in particular those that have specific responsibilities in dealing with the sea.  

Baltic and North Sea 

The Commission maintains regular contacts with stakeholders. Most of these contacts focus 
on  the  main  dossiers:  the  European  Union  Strategy  for  the  Baltic  Sea  Region,  the 
Communication on Maritime Spatial Planning and maritime employment. 

The  stakeholders  met  or  to  be  met  include  government  representatives  from  all  relevant 
Member  States,  stakeholder  organisations  including  environment  organisations,  Regional 
Advisory  Councils,  and  business  representatives,  and  also  a  significant  number  of 

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17 

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organisations  representing  local  and  regional  interests  ranging  from  EU  level  (CPMR, 
Committee of the Regions) to local level (e.g. representatives of Baltic Sea islands).  

A significant challenge continues to be the efficient organisation of contacts with stakeholders 
and  treatment  of  their  input,  including  in  areas  that  overlap  with  other  geographical 
responsibilities.  The  establishment  of  a  cross-cutting  database  of  stakeholders,  and  tools  to 
facilitate the exchange of documents and information with stakeholders, will therefore be an 
asset.  

II-7  Cooperation within sea-basins 

A number of initiatives are also taken to develop stakeholder dialogue within the different sea 
basins, through bi-lateral contacts in EU Member States and third countries (especially in the 
Mediterranean),  and  through  dialogue  within  maritime  regions.  Cooperation  within  marine 
regions is also required in the context of the MSFD (see IV-1), including in the framework of 
regional sea conventions40.  

Atlantic, outermost regions and Arctic 

Concerning the Channel area, activities undertaken by Normandy with their UK counterparts 
(notably West Sussex) through the "Channel Arc Manche network" and their EMDI project 
(Espace Manche Development Initiative), financed under Interreg with more than €1 million 
(EMDI  provides  for  partnerships  between  operators  and  universities  from  both  sides  of  the 
Channel), are closely followed. A major output of this collaboration is the recent publication 
of a Channel Atlas, which may provide an excellent platform for ideas for the project on the 
Atlas of the Seas.  

Arc  Manche  can  be  considered  a  front-runner  in  transnational  maritime  cooperation,  and  a 
good  model  for  further  developing  a  regionalised  approach  towards  IMP.  Similarly, 
embryonic  activities  to  integrate  policies  around  the  Irish  Sea  basin  are  taking  place.  The 
Commission actively encourages these developments and contributes to them. 

Mediterranean and the Black Sea 

Interesting ideas as to how the regions may be the drivers of an integrated approach, also in 
collaboration  with  regions  from  Mediterranean  third  countries,  have  emerged  (e.g.  Sicilian 
Distretto Produttivo della Pesca led by Mazzara del Vallo in collaboration with Tunisia and 
Egypt). 

Baltic Sea 
The Baltic Sea has, with the Council of Baltic Sea States41 and with the Baltic Sea States Sub-
Regional  Co-operation  (BSSSC)42,  two  established  structures  for  co-operation  which  have 
been undertaking work on the development and implementation of the IMP in the Baltic Sea 
region. In particular, the Council of Baltic Sea States has set up an Expert Group on Maritime 
Policy.  

40 
41 
42 

See Article 4 of Directive 2008/56/EC of 17 June 2008 
http://www.cbss.org/ 
http://www.bsssc.com/ 

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II-8  Report  on  the  application  of  the  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  Directive  –

COM(2009) 378 final of 23.07.2009 

The  Report  stresses  in  chapter  3.4  a  number  of  difficulties  in  relation  to  projects  which  are 
carried out in areas under jurisdiction of more than one Member State, for example across sea 
basins (e.g. pipelines).  

The  difficulties  include  risks  of  duplication  of  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  (EIA) 
procedures, inconsistencies and thus unnecessary administrative burdens. Also, there is a risk 
that the impacts of such projects are not assessed fully in the relation to the whole ecosystem 
of the sea basin in question.  

Co-operation  for  sustainable  growth  in  sea  basins  could  be  underpinned  by,  as  the  report 
points  out,  improving  the  efficiency  of  EIAs  through  better  coordinated,  harmonised  or 
joint/single EIA procedures for multi-jurisdiction projects. 

III.  Tools for integrated policy making (AP chapter 3) 

III-1  Roadmap for Maritime Spatial Planning: Achieving Common Principles in the EU -
COM(2008) 791 final of 25.11.2008 and Integrated Coastal Zone Management 

Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is an important tool for the sustainable use of oceans and 
seas.  It  facilitates  cross-border  co-operation,  thus  creating  certainty  for  investors  and 
unleashing economic activity.43 

In preparation of the above Communication, a study44 analysing prevailing legal systems and 
constraints  regarding  maritime  spatial  planning  has  been  carried  out.  This  study  presents 
different European and international constraints on planning at sea and proposes indicators to 
assess the progress of planning.  

In  November  2008,  the  Communication  entitled  "Roadmap  for  Maritime  Spatial  Planning: 
Achieving  Common  Principles  in  the  EU"  was  adopted.  This  followed  the  Commission’s 
announcement of a roadmap on spatial planning in the IMP Action Plan.  

The roadmap identifies 10 key principles for maritime spatial planning, derived from existing 
approaches  as  well  as  international  and  EU  instruments  covering  maritime  spatial  planning, 
with  the  aim  of  achieving  the  development  of  a  common  approach  across  the  EU.  The 
Communication,  which  was  followed  by  the  launch  of  two  preparatory  actions,  has  been 
received with great interest and now forms the basis for the wider debate to follow. In order to 
structure  this  debate,  the  Commission  has  organised  four  workshops  between  February  and 
October  2009  to  get  stakeholders’  views  and  needs  regarding  maritime  spatial  planning, 
focusing  on  the  10  key  principles  presented  in  the  roadmap.  The  kick-off  conference  took 
place in Brussels on 26 February (while the others are spread across the EU). The workshops 
discussed  the  implementation  of  maritime  spatial  planning  in  the  EU.  The  Commission  has 
launched pilot projects on maritime spatial planning in regional sea basins in July 2009, for 
the  North  Sea/North  East  Atlantic  and  the  Baltic  Sea,  the  latter  as  part  of  the  Baltic  Sea 
Strategy. 

43 
44 

http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/spatial_planning_en.html 
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/pdf/legal_aspects_msp_report_en.pdf. 

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Together  with  MSP,  the  Blue  Paper  referred  also  to  Integrated  Coastal  Zone  Management 
(ICZM),  an  already  existing  policy  instrument,  and  indicated  that,  as  a  follow-up  to  the 
existing EU Recommendation45, the Commission will set up of a system for the exchange of 
best practice among authorities in ICZM. The Commission launched in 2009 a support project 
(OURCOAST46)  to  stimulate  the  sharing  of  best-practice  and  effective  implementation  of 
ICZM.  For  the  Mediterranean,  a  significant  step  forward  in  the  promotion  of  ICZM  was 
achieved with the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (Barcelona Convention), 
which was signed by the EC at the end of 200847. 

III-2  European maritime surveillance  

Commission  Staff  Working  Document  on  maritime  surveillance  –  SEC(2008)  2337  of 
3.11.2008 

The Action Plan announced a Communication to present a work plan towards integration of 
European  maritime  surveillance  systems  in  the  second  half  of  2008.  The  adoption  of  this 
Communication  was  rescheduled  for  2009,  and  on  3  November  2008  a  Commission  Staff 
Working Document on maritime surveillance was published48.  

This  document  describes  the  current  state  of  play  as  regards  the  surveillance,  monitoring, 
tracking, identification and reporting systems put in place by Member States and agencies. It 
also identifies the next steps and challenges to be resolved in order to achieve an integrated 
maritime surveillance network for Europe. The Commission document draws attention to the 
fact  that  while  the  majority  of  threats  and  challenges  facing  Member  States  at  sea  -  from 
illegal  immigration  to  maritime  security  and  safety  -  are  transnational  and  trans-sectoral  in 
nature, maritime surveillance issues are dealt with by a myriad of different authorities, to the 
detriment of overall efficiency. Information does not flow easily even within single Member 
States, and few have a global overview of what is being undertaken in other Member States 
and at EU level, and how that can impact on their work. To improve the effectiveness of the 
authorities responsible for maritime activities and to facilitate their cross-sectoral and cross-
border integration, the Commission document undertook to convene a Member State Expert 
Group  on  maritime  policy  to  discuss,  exchange  information  and  increase  transparency  on 
maritime  surveillance  and  to  work  towards  an  information  network  linking  national 
authorities. This group will convene at least twice a year, and the outcome of its discussions 
has been fed into the Commission’s Communication on maritime surveillance. 

Projects on improving interoperability in maritime surveillance 

A study completed in November 2008 examined current legislation governing the use and re-
use of data obtained for the monitoring or surveillance of maritime traffic. The results indicate 
that  it  is  possible  in  principle  to  improve  information  sharing  among  different  authorities 
provided  that  clear  rules  on  the  use  of  data  and  a  secure  communication  environment  can 
guarantee  compliance  with  Europe’s  data  protection  rules.  Two  pilot  projects  on  maritime 

45 

46 
47 
48 

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  also 
Commission  Communication  on  the  evaluation  of  Integrated  Coastal  Zone  Management  (ICZM)  in 
Europe, COM(2007)308 final, 7 June 2007 . 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/iczm/ourcoast.htm 
Council Decision 2009/89/EC, OJ L34 of 4.2.2009 
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/pdf/maritime_surveillance_non_paper.pdf. 

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surveillance began in 2009, covering the Western Mediterranean and the Atlantic approaches 
on the one hand, and the Northern European Sea basins on the other (the latter may only start 
at the end of 2009). All Member States have been invited to make proposals in the context of 
these grant awarding procedures. These projects are of great importance since they will enable 
Member States to start co-operation in an area where integration is considered necessary and 
which will very likely bring benefits to all parties.  

In  addition,  a  preparatory  action  has  begun  to  assess  the  degree  to  which  Automatic 
Identification System (AIS) signals sent by vessels can be picked up from space and how such 
a  system  could  develop  into  a  shared  European  asset.  This  project  is  being  undertaken  in 
parallel  with  ongoing  complementary  efforts  by  the  European  Space  Agency,  and  is 
monitored  by  a  steering  group  of  Commission  services  and  EU  agencies.  Synergies  and 
complementarities with the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) will be 
ensured. 

Commission Communication "Towards the integration of maritime surveillance in the EU" – 
COM(2009) 538 final of 14.10.2009 and SEC(2009) 1341 

The Commission has adopted the above Communication to the Council and the Parliament in 
October 2009. Its objectives are to: 

-  Explain  the  rationale  of  the  ongoing  process  towards  integrating  maritime  surveillance  at 
national and EU level; 
- Propose a number of principles that will allow moving progressively from a sectoral to an 
integrated approach with regard to maritime surveillance at the EU and national level; 
- Provide an update of surveillance actions undertaken at Commission level. 

Communication  on  the  European  Border  Surveillance  System  -  COM(2008)  68  final  of 
13.02.2008 

The IMP is referred to in a Communication on the creation of a European Border Surveillance 
System (EUROSUR)49 which the Commission presented in February 200850. The main aim is 
preventing  unauthorised  border  crossings  through  better  border  surveillance,  reducing  the 
number of illegal immigrants losing their lives at sea, and increasing the internal security of 
the  EU  by  contributing  to  the  prevention  of  cross-border  crime.  EUROSUR  will  provide  a 
common  technical  framework  to  support  Member  States'  authorities  in  reaching  full 
situational  awareness  at  the  southern  and  eastern  EU  external  borders  and  increase  the 
reaction  capability  of  their  border  control  authorities.  A  decentralised  system  of  (existing) 
systems  will  be  established  in  three  phases.  In  particular,  phase  3  aims  to  create  a  common 
information-sharing  environment  for  the  EU  maritime  domain  by  integrating  all  existing 
reporting and monitoring systems in sea areas under the jurisdiction of the Member States and 
in adjacent high seas within a broader network. This will allow border control authorities to 
use all these systems in combination. 

49 
50 

MEMO/08/86 
See page 2 of the Communication: 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2008:0068:FIN:EN:PDF 

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III-3  Marine knowledge 

It  is  now  well-known  that  the  rhythms  and  cycles  of  the  marine  world  influence  human 
activity in a multitude of ways. Since the industrial revolution humans have begun to exert an 
increasing influence on the marine world. This circle of interdependence between the human 
and marine domains is accelerating. But the magnitude of future changes in oceanic systems, 
their impact on human activity and the feedbacks on the ocean from these changes in human 
behaviour cannot be forecast without understanding the way the system works now and how it 
worked  in  the  past.  Scientists,  regulators  and  commercial  bodies  need  reliable  observations 
and data if they are to contribute towards a sustainable development of the maritime economy. 
At present most data collection is focused on meeting the needs of a single purpose - as part 
of  a  regulatory  requirement,  for  operational  purposes  or  to  further  scientific  understanding. 
The challenge is to develop a system that will allow a better identification of what is being 
collected, that will facilitate  access to coherent data sets, that will permit the recognition of 
data gaps and that will shape a data collection and monitoring infrastructure directly suited to 
multiple applications.  

The Commission aims to increase marine knowledge through a European Marine Observation 
and Data Network (EMODNET), better mapping of sea beds and a European marine habitats 
map.  

Legal issues (e.g. intellectual property rights) are one of the key obstacles for access to marine 
knowledge. A study was therefore commissioned on the legal aspects of environmental data51. 

An ur-EMODNET is being developed through preparatory actions. These projects started in 
April 2009 and, by the end of 2010, will have produced layers for the main hydrographical, 
geological,  chemical  and  biological  parameters  for  complete  sea  basins.  Based  on  these 
parameters,  a  harmonised  mapping  of  marine  habitats  is  beginning  on  a  broad  scale  over 
complete  sea  basins  using  a  unified  classification.  A  further  preparatory  action  has  been 
launched in 2009 focusing on high-resolution multi-beam mapping.  

The  Commission  is  being  ably  assisted  in  these  matters  by  a  specially  constituted  Marine 
Observation  and  Data  Expert  Group,  which  met  three  times  in  2008  and  twice  in  2009.  A 
Commission  Staff  Working  Document,  setting  out  the  steps  towards  a  final  operational 
EMODNET and a more accurate seabed map for Europe, was issued in April 200952.  

This confirms the broad consensus among Commission services, gives some useful feedback 
on  a  possible  legal  framework,  and  provides  the  background  information  for  the  public 
consultation  which  closed  in  June  2009  after  having  gathered  300  replies  in  two  months.  It 
showed  an  almost  universal  dissatisfaction  with  the  current  marine  data  infrastructure 
amongst  all  stakeholders  (authorities,  industry  and  research)  and  97%  agreement  that 
intervention  at  EU  level  is  appropriate.  The  impact  assessment  showed  that  EMODNET 
would  reduce  operational  costs,  increase  competition  and  reduce  uncertainty  on  the  state  of 
the ocean. 

51 
52 

http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/study_lamed_en.html 
SEC(2009) 499 final of 7.04.2009 

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IV.  Maximising the sustainable use of the oceans and seas (AP chapter 4) 

IV-1  Marine Strategy Framework Directive - Directive 2008/56/EC of 17 June 2008 

The  Marine  Strategy  Framework  Directive  (MSFD)  aims  to  protect  more  effectively  the 
marine environment. Its objective is to achieve good environmental status of the EU's marine 
waters  by  2020  and  to  protect  the  resource  base  upon  which  marine-related  economic  and 
social  activities  depend.  It  constitutes  the  vital  environmental  component  of  the  IMP.  The 
MSFD establishes European marine regions on the basis of geographical and environmental 
criteria.  Each  Member  State  -  cooperating  with  other  Member  States  and  non-EU  countries 
within  a  marine  region  –  is  required  to  develop  strategies  which  must  contain  a  detailed 
assessment  of  the  state  of  the  environment,  a  definition  of  "good  environmental  status"  at 
regional level and the establishment of clear targets and monitoring programmes. 

Each Member State must draw up a programme of cost-effective measures. Prior to any new 
measure an impact assessment which contains a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the proposed 
measures is required. Where Member States cannot reach the environmental targets specific 
measures tailored to the particular context of the area and situation will be drawn up. 

The  goal  of  the  Marine  Strategy  Framework  Directive  is  in  line  with  the  objectives  of  the 
Water  Framework  Directive  which  requires  surface  freshwater  and  ground  water  bodies  - 
such as lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries, and in particular coastal waters - to be ecologically 
sound by 2015. 

In view of the long time span for implementation, and following the approach developed for 
the  Water  Framework  Directive,  an  informal  Common  Implementation  Strategy,  involving 
the Commission and Member States has been set up to co-ordinate the implementation of the 
MSFD.  This  activity  is  carried  out  under  the  high  level  guidance  of  Marine  Directors  (who 
meet once for each EU Presidency), who are also regularly informed about the Commission 
work with regard to IMP activities, including Maritime Spatial Planning as an important tool 
related  to  the  MSFD  implementation.  The  analysis  of  human  activities  on  the  seas  required 
under the MSFD will also serve to improve the knowledge on economic situation and social 
aspects  in  coastal  regions  and  ultimately  help  to  reach  the  objective  of  the  protection  and  a 
sustainable use of oceans and seas. 

IV-2  European Economic Recovery Plan – COM(2008) 800 final of 26.11.2008 

As a response to the financial crisis and as an attempt to reinforce the EU's energy supply, the 
Commission proposed in November 2008 a European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) that 
was  endorsed  by  European  Council  in  December.  The  plan  contains  a  number  of  elements 
relevant to the sustainable use of oceans and seas53.  

In  particular,  the  off-shore  grid  connections  in  the  North  Sea  and  the  Baltic,  offshore  wind 
energy and carbon capture and storage (CCS) will be relevant for the coastal regions or will 
be  realised,  at  least  in  part,  on  the  sea.  In  particular,  offshore  grid  development  for  wind 
energy projects will receive €565 million under th is package. Maritime Spatial Planning will 

53 

See Action No. 5 of the EERP: 
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/president/pdf/Comm_20081126.pdf 

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be  an  important  tool  in  ensuring  the  sustainable  realization  of  the  off-shore  wind  energy 
strategy of the EU, including the particular projects referred to. 

On  18  of  May  2009  the  Commission  launched  a  call  for  proposals.  Project  promoters  were 
invited to submit their proposals by 15 July 2009.  

IV-3  Climate and energy package  

The impact of climate change is particularly felt in the maritime world as the oceans and seas 
are the drivers of our climate and coastal regions are particularly affected. Consequently, the 
IMP  is  closely  linked  to  actions  related  to  climate  change  while  at  the  same  time  the 
integrated approach to maritime policy can make an important contribution to addressing the 
challenges. 

In  December  2008,  the  Council  and  Parliament  adopted  the  climate-energy  legislative 
package  containing  measures  to  fight  climate  change  and  promote  renewable  energy, 
following the proposal of the Commission54. The legislative package includes the following 
items with maritime relevance:  

-  revision  of  the  EU  Emissions  Trading  Scheme  (EU  ETS,  with  maritime  transport  being 
directly affected as a candidate for inclusion in the ETS);  
-  equipping  power  plants  with  CO2  capture  and  underground  storage  technology  (with 
undersea storage sites being considered, directly linked with Maritime Spatial Planning);  
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fuels (with efforts made to allow gas as a fuel in 
international maritime transport);  
-  national  targets  for  increasing  the  share  of  renewables  in  the  EU's  energy  mix  (with 
renewable energy from the seas and oceans playing an increasing role).  

Every  EU  member  States  will  have  to  draw  a  national  plan  for  renewables  by  June  2010 
detailing per sector the contribution of different renewable energy technologies, in particular 
marine  renewable  energy.  Spatial  planning  will  be  a  tool  to  create  investment  certainty  and 
ensure sustainability in the development of off-shore energy, while the marine and maritime 
research strategy supports the further development of off-shore energy technologies, including 
non-wind off shore energy production. 

IV-4  Off-Shore Wind Energy Communication (COM(2008) 768 final of 13.11.2008) and

off-shore energy supply connections 

On 13 November 2008, the Commission adopted a Communication on offshore wind energy 
which identifies the challenges to be tackled to exploit Europe’s potential for offshore wind 
energy.  A  key  point  in  this  communication  is  the  contribution  marine  spatial  planning  will 
make to  the sustainable  development  of  off-shore energy. This Communication,  included in 
the  energy  package,  was  endorsed  by  the  heads  of  state  and  government  at  the  Spring 
European Council on 19-20 March 200955. 

54 
55 

COM(2008) 30 final of 23.01.2008 
Conclusions of the European Council of 19-20 March 2009: 
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/106809.pdf 

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IV-5  Second Strategic Energy Review 

Five of the six actions of the EU Energy Security and Solidarity Action plan56 have a partly 
maritime  dimension  (the  Southern  Gas  Corridor,  LNG  supply  for  Europe,  the  Baltic 
Interconnection  Plan,  and  the  Mediterranean  Energy  Ring)  or  a  wholly  maritime  dimension 
(the  North  Sea  Offshore  Grid).  The  IMP  contributes,  through  its  elements  related  to  the 
sustainable  use  of  the  seas,  Maritime  Spatial  Planning,  port  and  maritime  transport 
development, to the realization of these projects. Coordinated or possibly joint Environmental 
Impact  Assessment  procedures  for  multi-country  projects  could  have  a  positive  impact  on 
streamlining permitting and authorization process and would facilitate the realisation of these 
projects. 

The Commission in its Second Strategic Energy Review argued that a blueprint for a North 
Sea Offshore Grid should be developed. The blueprint should identify the steps and schedule 
that  need  to  be  established  and  any  specific  actions  that  need  to  be  adopted.  It  should  be 
developed by the Member States and regional actors involved and facilitated where necessary 
by action at Community level. In the Conclusions of the Energy Council on 19 February, the 
plans for the blueprint were endorsed with the small change that the scope was changed from 
North Sea to "the North Sea and North West Offshore Grid", to cover also the Irish Sea. The 
blueprint, most likely in the format of a Communication, is planned for adoption in 2010. 

IV-6  Green  Paper  "Towards  a  Secure,  Sustainable  and  Competitive  European  Energy

Network"- COM(2008) 782 final of 13.11.2008 

Islands and outermost regions, as well as some remote coastal areas, face challenges to create 
economic activity and improve the quality of life due to a lack of connections with Europe's 
main economic strongholds, and in particular with communication and energy networks. 

The  Trans-European  Energy  Networks  (TEN-E)  instrument  and  its  budget  are  a  major  EU 
instrument  for  energy  networks.  But  they  were  conceived  and  developed  when  the  EU  was 
considerably  smaller  and  faced  energy  challenges  of  a  completely  different  dimension 
compared to today. Therefore, the Green Paper has launched a discussion on how the existing 
TEN-E  instrument  could  be  replaced  by  a  new  EU  Energy  Security  and  Infrastructure 
Instrument.  

It  is  important  that  islands  and  coastal  regions  get  the  necessary  level  of  attention  and  can 
benefit  from  the  investments  made  by  public  bodies  and  private  operators  under  the  TEN 
instruments, as explicitly stated in the Commission decision of 16 February 2009, establishing 
the 2009 annual work programme for grants in the field of trans-European networks - area of 
energy infrastructures.57 

IV-7  Strategic  goals  and  recommendations  for  the  EU’s  maritime  transport  policy  until

2018 - COM(2009) 8 final of 21.01.2009 

Further  to  the  announcement  in  the  Action  Plan  on  an  Integrated  Maritime  Policy,  the 
Commission  adopted  an  EU  Maritime  Transport  Strategy  2009-2018  following  continuous 
dialogue  with  the  heads  of  the  EEA  maritime  transport  administrations,  the  independent 

56 
57 

COM(2008) 781 final of 13.11.2008 
See p.4 of C(2009) 868 of 16.02.2009 

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advice of a group of senior shipping professionals, and an analytical study (the OPTIMAR58 
study) giving different scenarios for future trends in maritime transport. It presents the main 
strategic goals for the European maritime transport system up to 2018 and identifies key areas 
for action by the EU. The proposed actions build upon an all-inclusive approach, which lies at 
the  heart  of  the  EU  Integrated  Maritime  Policy,  and  are  based  on  the  core  principles  of 
sustainable  development,  competitiveness  and  economic  growth,  maritime  safety,  high 
environmental  and  social  standards,  and  open  markets 
in  fair  competition.  The 
Communication  sets  out  measures  to  support  the  long-term  competitiveness  of  European 
shipping and  related  maritime  industries: safe, secure and quality shipping on clean oceans; 
qualified  human  resources  and  enhanced  maritime  know-how,  technological  development, 
maritime research and innovation; enhanced role of  Europe  in  the  international  scene;  more 
integrated logistics and short-sea shipping; and RTD and innovation. 

Council  conclusions  endorsing  the  Communication  have  been  adopted  at  the  Transport 
Council  on  30  March  200959.  In  its  conclusions,  the  Council  requests  the  Commission  to 
"elaborate, together with Member States and all relevant stakeholders, a detailed road map as 
soon  as  possible  and  in  any  case  no  later  than  by  the  end  of  2009,  and  conduct  a  mid-term 
review of the implementation of the European maritime transport policy by the end of 2013." 

IV-8  Communication  and  action  plan  with  a  view  to  establishing  a  European  maritime

transport space without barriers - COM(2009) 10 final of 21.01.2009 

This initiative will simplify and speed up administrative procedures for sea transport between 
ports  located  in  the  EU.  The  existing  barriers  put  maritime  transport  at  a  disadvantage 
compared to other modes of transport. In an effort to eliminate and simplify the administrative 
procedures in intra-EU maritime transport and to extend the internal market to this area, the 
Commission  has  proposed  a  set  of  measures  to  establish  a  "European  Maritime  Transport 
Space without Barriers". The Commission agreed to modify the implementing provisions of 
the  Community  customs  code  by  early  2009  and  adopted  a  proposal  for  a  Directive  on 
reporting  formalities  for  ships  arriving  in  or  departing  from  Member  State  ports.  Regarding 
legislation on veterinary and phyto-sanitary products, guidelines should be agreed in 2009 in 
order  to  speed  up  the  documentary  checks  in  Directives  89/662/EEC,  90/425/EEC  and 
2000/29/EC. These will simplify and speed up administrative procedures or requirements for 
sea transport between ports located in the EU.  

Efforts  shall  be  pursued  to  put  all  foreseen  actions  in  place  in  the  different  sectors.  Works 
shall  also  start  to  simplify  administrative  procedures  for  vessels  involved  in  Short  Sea 
Shipping but having a call in a neighbouring third country. 

IV-9 

Implementation of the third maritime safety package 

After  the  accidents  of  the  tankers  "Erika"  and  "Prestige",  the  EU  adopted  an  important 
number of legislative acts on the basis of Commission proposals, in order to enhance maritime 
safety. With the same objective and with a proactive attitude, the Commission issued in late 
2005 a third set of proposals (3rd maritime safety package) containing seven draft legislative 
instruments.  In  doing  so  the  Commission  took  into  account  the  experience  acquired  in 

58 

59 

Study  OPTIMAR  -  Benchmarking  strategic  options  for  European  shipping  and  for  the  European 
maritime transport system in the horizon 2008-2018 
Council press release 8176/09 (Presse 73) 

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implementing  the  Community  legislation  on  maritime  safety  (ERIKA  I  and  ERIKA  II)  and 
the  concerns  expressed  on  several  occasions  by  the  European  Parliament,  the  European 
Council and the Ministers of Transport.  

Three years later, political agreement was reached between the Council and Parliament on the 
totality of the package under the conciliation procedure on 8 December 2008, leading to the 
final adoption on 23 April 200960. 

As adopted, the package contains 8 legislative measures (6 Directives and 2 Regulations) in 
the  following  areas:  Flag  State  responsibility,  Classification  societies  (a  Directive  and  a 
Regulation,  following  the  splitting  of  the  Commission's  original  proposal),  monitoring  of 
maritime  traffic,  port  state  control,  accidents  investigation,  compensation  of  passengers  in 
case of accidents and insurance of ship owners for maritime claims. 

With the adoption of the Third Maritime Safety package of measures, the EU has one of the 
most comprehensive and advanced regulatory frameworks on maritime safety and prevention 
of accidental pollution from ships.  

IV-10  Commission  proposal  on  amending  Directive  2005/35/EC  on  ship  source  pollution

introducing penalties for infringements 

In  March  2008  the  Commission  proposed  an  amendment  to  the  Directive  on  ship  source 
pollution61, proposing the introduction of criminal penalties for illicit ship-source discharges 
of  polluting  substances.  A  first  reading  took  place  in  May  2009  in  the  Council  and  the 
Parliament. 

IV-11  Ports Policy 

The European Commission is currently in the process of taking initiatives and measures with 
a  view  to  implementing  and  meeting  key  objectives  of  its  Communication  on  a  European 
Ports Policy (COM(2007) 616 final of 18.10.2007) and realising its action plan.  

One  of  the  Communication's  key  actions  includes  the  production  of  guidelines  on  the 
application  of  Community  environment  legislation  to  port  development.  A  working  group 
with  Member  States,  environmental  NGOs  and  port  industry  under  the  leadership  of  the 
Commission  is  working  to  deliver  guidelines  which  will  help  the  sector  to  implement  the 
Birds62,  Habitats63  and  Water  Framework64  Directives  in  estuaries  and  coastal  zones  with 
particular attention to ports. It is foreseen that the Guidance document will be adopted by the 
end of 2009. 

In  addition,  in  its  Communication,  the  Commission  made  also  a  commitment  to  adopt 
Guidelines on State aid to ports. These Guidelines are to be adopted in 2010. 

60 
61 
62 
63 
64 

Published in the OJ on 28.5.2009 
COM(2008) 134 final of 11.03.2008 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/birdsdirective/index_en.htm 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm 
http://www.euwfd.com/ 

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IV-12  Proposal for a Council Directive on the Maritime Labour Convention 

The maritime shipping sector is an industry operating worldwide. In this context it is essential 
to  define  and  effectively  enforce  global  minimum  standards  of  employment  and  health  and 
safety conditions for seafarers employed or working on board a seagoing ship. 

The  International  Labour  Organisation  addressed  this  issue  in  the  Maritime  Labour 
Convention,  2006.  This  Convention  incorporates  the  conventions  and  recommendations  on 
maritime labour by the ILO since 1919 into a single consolidated text to serve as a basis for 
the first universal Maritime Labour Code. The Commission actively participated in the works 
on the Maritime Labour Convention from the outset. 

European  legislation  currently  in  force  already  covers  most  of  the  topics  regulated  by  the 
Maritime Labour Convention. In fact, in most of the cases the European legislation establishes 
higher  standards  in  comparison  with  those  of  the  Convention.  However,  in  a  few  cases  the 
Maritime  Labour  Convention  proposes  a  more  specific  regulation  or  working  conditions 
which are more favourable for seafarers. 

Following an agreement65 concluded by the social partners in the maritime transport sector - 
the  European  Community  Ship-Owners’  Association  (ECSA)66  and  the  European  Transport 
Workers’  Federation  (ETF)67  -  the  Commission  adopted  on  2  July  2008  a  proposal68  for  a 
Council  Directive  incorporating  elements  of  the  Maritime  Labour  Convention  2006  into 
Community law and amending Directive 1999/63/EC, in accordance with Article 139 of the 
Treaty. This proposal was adopted by the Council as Directive 2009/13/EC69. 

The incorporation of elements of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 into Community 
law  contributes  to  updating  the  European  legislation  in  force  with  those  standards  of  the 
Convention  which  are  more  favourable  for  seafarers.  It  is  expected  that  the  working 
conditions  of  seafarers  will  be  improved,  particularly  as  regards  employment  agreements, 
hours  of  work,  repatriation,  careers  and  skill  development,  accommodation  and  recreation 
facilities,  food  and  catering,  health  and  safety  protection  and  medical  care,  and  complaint 
procedures.  

The Directive will enter into force simultaneously with the ILO Maritime Labour Convention. 
It is expected to contribute to a quicker ratification of the Convention by the Member States. 

As  the  next  step,  following  the  request  of  the  social  partners  expressed  in  a  letter  dated  13 
November  2007,  the  Commission  will  consider  presenting  a  proposal  for  an  enforcement 
directive.  The  objective  of  this  directive  would  be  to  define  the  Member  States' 
responsibilities  to  enforce  the  relevant  provisions  of  the  ILO  Maritime  Labour  Convention 
taken up in the social agreement and check their application on board all ships calling at EU 
ports, regardless of the flag. 

65 
66 
67 
68 
69 

Agreement concluded by ECSA and ETF on the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, 19.05.08. 
http://www.ecsa.be/ 
http://www.itfglobal.org/ETF/ 
COM(2008) 422 final of 2.07.2008 
OJ L 124, 20.5.2009, p.30 

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IV-13  Proposal for a Council Decision authorising Member States to ratify, in the interest

of the European Community, the ILO "Work in Fishing Convention"  

In  line  with  the  2006  Communication  on  Decent  Work  for  All  (COM  (2006)  249  of 
24.05.2009),  in  which  the  Commission  committed  to  the  promotion  of  up-to-date  ILO 
Conventions,  the  Commission  adopted  in  May  2008  a  proposal70  for  a  Council  decision 
authorizing Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Community, the "Work 
in Fishing Convention 2007" of the International Labour Organization (Convention 188)71. 

IV-14  Reassessment  of  the  exclusion  of  maritime  workers  from  parts  of  the  European

labour and social legislation 

Together  with  the  maritime  policy  package,  a  Communication  "Reassessing  the  regulatory 
social  framework  for  more  and  better  seafaring  jobs  in  the  EU"  was  adopted72.  The 
Communication  reviewed  the  pertinent  legislation  in  order  to  identify  exclusions  or 
derogations  affecting  workers  in  maritime  professions,  problems  raised  by  practical 
application and difficulties of interpretation of such legislation. It sought to determine to what 
extent action might be needed to improve legal protection for maritime professions in the EU.  

In view of the highly globalised context of most maritime sectors, it undertook such analysis 
against  the  background  of  the  already  extensive  body  of  international  conventions  and 
standards. 

By  means  of  this  first  stage  consultation  the  social  partners  were  invited  to  take  position 
regarding the analysis proposed by the Commission and in particular to assess the priorities of 
action  and  whether  a  specific  legislation  for  the  sector  might  be  warranted  instead  of 
suppressing  certain  exclusions.  Furthermore  they  were  requested  to  provide  an  input 
regarding other, non legislative, means of action in the field of coordination of social security 
systems and health and safety on board.  

The  social  partners  consulted  were  the  European  Community  Shipowners'  Associations 
(ECSA) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) in maritime transport sector, 
and  Europeche73,  Cogeca74  and  ETF  for  the  sea  fisheries  sector.  On  2  April  2009  the 
Commission initiated a second stage consultation of the social partners75. At the same time an 
impact assessment study was commissioned in view of a future initiative. 

IV-15  Maritime employment, training and certification of seafarers  

The  need  to  increase  the  attractiveness  of  maritime  careers  and  improve  education  and 
training  was  repeated  in  Commission's  Communication  on  the  Maritime  Transport  Strategy 
2018.  Regarding  maritime  employment  the  following  ideas  are  put  forward:  Adopt  positive 

70 
71 
72 
73 
74 
75 

COM (2008) 320 of 27.05.2008 
http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/cgi-lex/convde.pl?C188 
COM(2007) 591 final of 10.10.2007 
http://www.europeche.org/ 
http://www.copa-cogeca.be/ 
"Reassessing  the  regulatory  social  framework  for  more  and  better  seafaring  jobs  in  the  EU:  Second 
consultation of the European social partners on the revision of exclusions concerning seafaring workers 
contained  in  Directives  2008/94/EC,  94/45/EC,  2002/14/EC,  98/59/EC,  2001/23/EC  and  96/71/EC", 
C(2009) 2211 

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29 

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measures facilitating lifelong career prospects in the maritime clusters; enhance the image of 
shipping and careers at sea, improve awareness of job opportunities, facilitate labour mobility 
in the maritime industries; support the work of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 
and  the  International  Labour  Organisation  (ILO)  on  the  fair  treatment  of  seafarers;  promote 
better use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for improving quality of life 
at sea. 

In relation to the training and certification of seafarers, the Communication stresses the need 
to:  ensure  thorough  enforcement  of  international  and  Community  requirements  under  the 
International  Convention  on  Standards  of  Training,  Certification  and  Watchkeeping  for 
Seafarers (STCW); make a substantial contribution to the revision of the STCW Convention 
currently  under  way  in  the  IMO;  promote  cooperation  between  European  maritime  training 
institutions  for  upgrading  seafarers’  competences  and  adapting  requirements  to  the 
prerequisites of today’s shipping industry; work in partnership with training institutions and 
the  industry  towards  establishing  ‘maritime  certificates  of  excellence’  (European  maritime 
postgraduate courses);  introduce, for the education of officers, an ‘Erasmus’-type model for 
exchanges  between  the  maritime  training  institutions  of  the  Member  States;  promote  in 
partnership with industry the provision of places, where necessary backed by incentives, for 
cadets to be taken on board during their studies in EU training institutes  

The Commission highlighted also in this Communication the need to strike the right balance 
between the employment conditions of EU seafarers and the competitiveness of the European 
fleet  and  announced  its  intention  to  set  up  a  Task  Force  to  identify  ways  of  achieving  this 
objective. 

Academic  centres  and  coastal  regions  have  also  expressed  their  interest  to  work  on 
employment  and  careers,  bringing  forward  ideas  on  certificates  of  excellence  for  maritime 
education,  mobility,  networks  of  maritime  academies  and  cooperation  with  maritime 
industries.  

A  Communication  on  the  establishment  of  a  sustainable  European  maritime  labour  force  of 
quality, including possibly legislative initiative(s), is planned for 2010. 

IV-16  The impact of the financial and economic crises on shipbuilding and the future of

the programme LeaderSHIP 2015 

To mitigate the effects of the financial and economic crises on shipbuilding, the EU is taking 
steps to ensure a global level playing field, as state aid and support policies in other parts of 
the world are not as strict as in Europe. The Commission is pushing for a global shipbuilding 
agreement  with  enforceable  disciplines  for  subsidies  and  prices  in  the  framework  of  the 
OECD.  Work  on  a  guarantee  scheme  is  also  gaining  in  importance,  since  investors  have 
become more reluctant. 

LeaderSHIP 2015, presented in 2003, is the EU shipbuilding sector's response to competitive 
challenges up to 201576. It addresses establishing a level playing field in world shipbuilding, 
improving  RTD  and  innovation  investment,  developing  advanced  financing  and  guarantee 
schemes,  promoting  safer  and  more  environment-friendly  ships,  developing  a  European 

76 

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/maritime/documents/shipbuilding/index_en.htm 

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approach to naval shipbuilding needs, protecting intellectual property rights, securing access 
to a skilled workforce, and building a sustainable industry structure. 

In 2007 the Commission issued a progress report on the LeaderSHIP 2015 initiative77. 

Halfway through the LeaderSHIP agenda, and in the face of the crisis, the challenges under 
LeaderSHIP  2015  are  being  reviewed.  To  this  end,  a  high-level  meeting  between  the 
Commission,  Member  States  ministers  and  senior  industry  representatives  was  held  in 
Bremerhaven on 11 September 2009.  

IV-17  Study "The role of Maritime  Clusters to enhance the strength and development in

maritime sectors" (cluster study) 

Under  the  EU's  Integrated  Maritime  Policy,  the  Commission  encourages  the  formation  of 
multi-sectoral clusters and promotes networking among maritime clusters. In this context, the 
study  on the  role  of  maritime  clusters78 aimed to identify the location of maritime activities 
and  the  characteristics  of  maritime  cluster  organisations  with  a  view  to  create  an  evidence-
base and a better understanding of the functioning of clusters.  

The study mapped the maritime clusters within Europe based on the methodology developed 
for the European Cluster Observatory79. It covered a range of sea-related activities, including 
maritime  transport,  offshore  energy,  maritime  manufacturing,  fisheries  and  tourism.  It 
analysed key features of maritime clusters, including strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and 
threats of various cluster approaches,  trends and policies and provided recommendations on 
future policy steps. 

The study results show that maritime activities in Europe account for a production value of 
some € 450 billion and direct added value of  € 186,8 billion. About 4,78 million persons are 
directly employed in these sectors. In most European countries with a high concentration of 
maritime activities, maritime cluster organisations are already active.  

These  clusters  vary  in  terms  of  leadership,  membership  and  organisational  matters,  but  in 
spite  of  their  differences,  they  tend  to  be  set  up  for  similar  reasons,  namely  to  increase 
competitiveness, promote the maritime sectors and coordinate their activities. In light of that, 
clusters  can  benefit  from  cooperation  at  European  level  to  discuss  best  practice  and  lessons 
learned. 

Seven  countries  (Malta,  Cyprus,  Estonia,  Latvia,  Denmark,  Greece  and  Norway)  show  a 
relatively  high  importance  of  maritime  activities  in  their  national  economy,  with  more  than 
3%  of  maritime  added  value  in  national  GDP  and  more  than  5%  of  maritime  jobs  (the  EU 
averages).The strongest concentration of activities in the traditional maritime sectors occurs in 
the  North  Sea  region,  followed,  in  the  Mediterranean,  by  Southern  France  and  North  West 
Italy.  Tourism  activities  are  mostly  concentrated  in  the  Mediterranean  and  the  UK  South 
coast. Fisheries presence is strongest in the Atlantic and (especially in terms of employment) 
in the Baltic States. 

77 
78 
79 

COM(2007) 220 final of 25.04.2007 
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/clusters_en.html 
http://www.clusterobservatory.eu/ 

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31 

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In most European countries with a high concentration of maritime activities (in terms of value 
added and employment), maritime cluster organisations are already active. Most of them are 
privately driven, whereas others are government driven; some are the result of a joint effort. 
Regional  clusters  exist  in  e.g.  France,  the  UK,  Germany  and  Norway.  Traditional  maritime 
and  offshore  activities  tend  to  be  represented  across  the  board;  in  some  cases  fisheries  and 
tourism are also included. 

The Commission also undertakes activities in support of clusters under its innovation policy. 

IV-18  Workshop on Maritime Clusters in landlocked countries 

On 27 April 2009 the Czech Presidency and the European Commission held an international 
conference  and  workshop  on  Maritime  Clusters  in  Landlocked  Countries80.  The  event  was 
staged  in  the  context  of  the  European  Maritime  Day  2009  and  it  was  the  first  event  ever 
addressing the maritime supply chain in landlocked EU countries. 

The  Prague  conference  brought  together  about  100  delegates  from  the  private  sector  and 
public authorities of the EU Member States. The conference primarily addressed the question 
how landlocked EU countries can contribute as subcontractors to the innovative development 
of  the  maritime  industry  in  Europe.  Concrete  examples  from  maritime  engineering  and 
logistics show that initiatives in the maritime sector in landlocked countries have potential and 
could  be  very  successful.  The  opportunities  offered  by  the  maritime  industry  are  far  from 
limited to coastal regions. Examples in Austria and Luxembourg as  well as the activities of 
Czech  engineering  companies  show  that  there  is  also  a  potential  for  developing  compact 
networks of maritime subcontractors in countries without a coastline. 

IV-19  Prolongation of the existing State aid rules for shipbuilding 

On  3  July  2008  European  Commission  has  prolonged  the  Framework  on  State  aid  rules  for 
shipbuilding for three more years, until 31 December 201181. This extension follows an earlier 
extension in 2006.  

The  Commission  has  concluded  that  the  Framework,  which  came  into  effect  on  1  January 
2004,  has  been  applied  without  any  problems  and  does  not  need  to  be  revised  at  this  stage. 
The Framework's main principle is that horizontal state aid rules apply to shipbuilding except 
where  specific  provisions  apply  that  reflect  the  specific  characteristics  of  the  shipbuilding 
industry  and  market.  The  specific  provisions  contained  in  the  Framework  concern  regional 
aid,  closure  aid,  export  credits,  development  aid,  employment  aid  and  aid  for  research, 
development  and  innovation.  The  Framework's  rules  on  innovation  aid  are  specific  to  the 
shipbuilding industry and as yet have limited application. The Commission wishes to continue 
applying these rules and assess their impact on fostering innovation in the sector82. 

80 
81 
82 

http://www.cz2009.eu/event/1/3312/ 
See Commission press release IP/08/1097 
Individual state aid decisions can be consulted on-line: 
http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/register/ 

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IV-20  Competition and State aid rules for maritime transport 

The  competitiveness  of  Maritime  Transport  is  fostered  not  only  by  Transport  Policy  and 
technical and economic developments, but also by EU competition and State aid rules. 

With effect from 18 October 2008, the exemption for liner conferences contained in Council 
Regulation (EEC) No 4056/86 was repealed by Council Regulation (EC) No 1419/200683 as 
the four cumulative conditions for exempting agreements, decisions and concerted  practices 
under Article 81(3) EC were no longer met. This means that liner conference activities such 
as  price  fixing  and  capacity  regulation  previously  allowed  by  that  regulation  are  no  longer 
block  exempted.  In  order  to  assist  firms  with  this  transition,  the  Commission  adopted 
Guidelines on the application of Article 81 of the EC Treaty to maritime transport services on 
1 July 200884. 

Regulation (EC) No 1419/2006 also extended the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 so as 
to include cabotage and tramp vessel services. This means that the Commission now has the 
normal  enforcement  powers  at  its  disposal  when  applying  the  competition  rules  to  firms 
operating in these areas. 

Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  246/2009  of  26  February  2009  on  the  application  of  Article 
81(3)  of  the  Treaty  to  certain  categories  of  agreements,  decisions  and  concerted  practices 
between liner shipping companies (consortia) replaced Council Regulation (EEC) No 479/92 
which empowers the Commission to adopt block exemption regulations in this area85.  

On  28  September  2009  the  Commission  adopted  Regulation  (EC)  No  906/2009  on  the 
application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty to certain categories of agreements,  decisions and 
concerted  practices  between  liner  shipping  companies  (consortia)  which  allows  operational 
co-operation  to  provide  a  joint  liner  shipping  service  subject  to  certain  conditions.  This 
regulation  renews  the  block  exemption  provided  in  Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No 
823/2000 which expires on 25 April 2010, for a further 5 years. 

The Commission scrutinises aid schemes throughout the maritime transport sector86 in order 
to maintain a level playing field within Europe87. Member States and firms operating in this 
sector are assisted by specific State aid guidelines88. These guidelines are due to be reviewed 
in  2011-2012.  In  the  meantime,  the  Commission  has  adopted  two  communications  in  this 
field in order to complement the existing guidelines, one on motorways of the sea89 and one 
on ship management companies90. 

83 
84 
85 
86 
87 
88 

89 

90 

OJ L 269, 28.9.2006, p.1. 
OJ C 245, 26.09.2008, p.2 
OJ L 79, 25.3.2009, p.1. 
Including towage and dredging activities 
Individual decisions 2007-2009 are available at: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/stateaid/decisions_en.htm 
Community guidelines on State aid to maritime transport, OJ C 13, 17.1.2004, p.3. These provide for 
example that State aid given in respect of the social contributions of community seafarers can only be 
given to those working on vessels registered in the EU Member States. 
Communication from the Commission providing guidance on State aid complementary to Community 
funding for the launching of the motorways of the sea, OJ C 317, 12.12.2008, p. 10 
Communication providing guidance on State aid to ship management companies, OJ C 132, 11.6.2009, 
p. 6 

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IV-21  Antitrust investigations in the ship classification sector 

In January 2008 Commission officials carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of 
several  providers  of  ship  classification  services  and  an  association  of  such  providers.  The 
Commission  had  reason  to  believe  that  the  companies  and  the  association  concerned  may 
have  violated  the  competition  rules  of  the  EC  Treaty  and  the  EEA  Agreement  that  outlaw 
restrictive  business  practices.  The  fact  that  the  European  Commission  carries  out  such 
inspections  does  not  mean  that  the  companies  or  association  are  guilty  of  anti-competitive 
behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. 

In  June  2009  the  European  Commission  invited  comments  from  interested  parties  on 
commitments  offered  by  the  International  Association  of  Classification  Societies  (IACS)  to 
meet concerns that  it may have infringed  Article  81  of  the  EC  Treaty  and  Article  53  of  the 
EEA  Agreement,  prohibiting  restrictive  business  practices.  The  Commission's  concerns 
related  to  the  ship  classification  market,  in  particular  that  IACS  prevented  classification 
societies  which  are  not  members  of  IACS  from  joining  IACS,  from  participating  in  IACS' 
technical  working  groups  and  from  accessing  technical  background  documents.  To  address 
these  concerns,  IACS  proposed  a  series  of  commitments,  including  the  establishment  of 
qualitative  membership  criteria  and  guidance  for  their  application,  the  possibility  for  non-
IACS classification societies to participate in ICAS' working groups and full access to IACS' 
technical  resolutions  and  related  background  documents.  A  summary  of  the  commitments 
accepted  by  the  Commission  has  been  published  in  the  EU  Official  Journal91.  Following  a 
period of market testing, the Commission has now adopted a decision under  Article 9(1) of 
Regulation 1/2003, making the commitments legally binding on IACS. 

IV-22  Study on tourist facilities in ports 

Following  the  Action  Plan  on  Integrated  Maritime  Policy,  the  Commission  launched  an 
external  study  to  analyse  the  benefits  for  ports  to  invest  in  infrastructure  and  facilities  for 
receiving tourists, notably through cruise tourism. This study examined the potential benefits 
and risks associated with such investments from a market perspective as well as the impact of 
costs  to  comply  with  environmental  legislation  and  of  measures  to  ensure  sustainable 
development.  The  study  results  allow  coastal  regions  to  better  understand  the  economics  of 
the cruise sector and make informed investment decisions. 

The lack of clarity about the real benefit of tourist facilities in ports may leave an important 
source  of  income  and  job  creation  for  ports  and  tourism  businesses  in  coastal  regions  and 
islands  untapped.  In  view  of  this,  the  study  sought  the  answers  about  the  real  benefits  and 
costs  of  investing  in  tourist  facilities  in  ports  in  the  light  of  promoting  quality  of  life  and 
competitiveness  in  maritime  regions.  It  provides  an  overview  of  the  additional  costs  to 
comply with environmental obligations in relation to building tourist facilities in ports and the 
added value of investments in sustainable infrastructure and equipment (e.g. the use of shore-
side electricity92). 

The study also estimated the economic rationale for investing in tourism facilities in ports, on 
the  basis  of  existing  good  practices,  market  trends  and  SWOT  (strength  and  weaknesses, 

91 
92 

OJ C 131 of 10 June 2009 
See also the Commission recommendation on the promotion of shore-side electricity for use by ships at 
berth in Community ports (2006/339/EC). 

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opportunities  and  risks)  analysis.  The  parameters  analysed  included  e.g.  berths,  terminals, 
guides, excursions, hospitality services, shops, tug boat and land transport services, berthing 
fees and taxes. 

The  study  developed  an  indicator  estimating  return  on  investments  for  ports  and  tourism 
operators  in  their  surroundings.  This  indicator  calculates  the  average  European  return  on 
investment  for  every  1€  spent,  taking  into  co nsideration  the  direct,  indirect  and  induced  –
positive and negative- economic impacts (notably in terms of growth and job creation) on the 
port  infrastructure.  In  case  of  significant  differences  between  the  various  sea  basins,  the 
European indicator is complemented with region-specific information.  

IV-23  Air pollution and GHG emissions from ships 

Whilst shipping is a relatively clean mode of transport, based on actual transport performance, 
emissions  from  ships  are  a  problem  in  absolute  terms.  The  Commission  gives  particular 
importance to this problem. 

The  58th  meeting  of  the  IMO's  Marine  Environment  Protection  Committee  (MEPC)93  was 
held in October 2008. It was considered successful in that modifications to MARPOL (1973 
International  Convention  for  the  Prevention  of  Pollution  from  Ships,  as  modified  by  the 
Protocol  of  1978),  Annex  VI  (Prevention  of  air  pollution  from  ships),  were  unanimously 
adopted by the MEPC. These modifications cover sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides 
(NOx). The revised Annex VI will enter into force on 1 July 2010. The Commission plans to 
present  a  proposal  to  amend  Directive  1999/32/EC  on  the  sulphur  content  of  certain  liquid 
fuels  in  2010.  The  amendment  will,  among  other  things,  implement  the  amendments  to 
MARPOL Annex VI adopted in October 2008. 

To  support  the  amendment,  a  number  of  studies  have  been  carried  out,  or  will  be  soon,  in 
order to provide insight into a number of issues relating to the proposal for the sulphur content 
of certain liquid fuels, including a cost-benefit analysis and a study on the impact of the IMO 
agreement and additional measures in terms of the effects on refineries and the availability of 
fuels.  The  relevant  parts  of  these  studies  will  be  incorporated  in  the  Impact  Assessment  to 
accompany the proposal to amend the Directive. 

A  Commission  proposal  on  GHG  emissions  from  freight  transport  (including  shipping)  is 
included in the Commission’s Annual Policy Strategy (APS) for 2009. The Commission has a 
strong  preference  for  a  global  solution.  However,  in  the  absence  of  significant  progress 
achieved  by  31  December  2011  in  the  International  Maritime  Organisation  (IMO),  the 
Commission should make a new proposal for European action with the aim of its entry into 
force by 2013. An initiative on how to reduce GHG emissions from ships was taken at the 59th 
meeting  of  the  MEPC  in  July  2009.  This  is  done  in  the  context  of  the  post-Kyoto  2012 
agreement on climate change, to be adopted at the end of 2009 in Copenhagen.  

With regard to GHG emissions from ships the Commission launched a second study in order 
to  assess  and  evaluate  the  policy  options  proposed  by  a  first  study  conducted  in  2006  (CE 
Delft)94 and to provide technical support for European action to reduce GHG emissions from 

93 
94 

http://www.imo.org/Environment/mainframe.asp?topic_id=197 
CE  Delft  et  al.:  "Greenhouse  Gas  Emissions  for  Shipping  and  Implementation  for  the  Marine  Fuel 
Sulphur Directive", Publication number 06 4103 61 

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shipping if there is no global agreement to reduce GHG emissions. All action options are still 
under consideration, including an option for the inclusion of shipping in the Emission Trading 
Scheme  (ETS)  has  become  clear.  Industry  has  been  asked  to  outline  green  technology 
solutions  that  could  also  be  helpful  in  creating  new  market  opportunities  for  the  EU 
shipbuilding industry in the face of the economic crisis. 

IV-24  Communication on "An EU Strategy for better ship dismantling" –  

COM(2008) 767 final of 19.11.2008 

The  European  Commission  has  developed  various  policy  documents  to  support  the 
environmentally  sound  management  of  ship  dismantling.  On  22  May  2007,  the  European 
Commission adopted a Green Paper95 on better ship dismantling. 

On 19 November 2008 a Communication on "An EU strategy for better ship dismantling" was 
adopted by the Commission further to the Maritime Policy Action Plan. 

Both policy documents have been followed by discussions with stakeholders on the basis of 
the options proposed therein. The general objective of the Strategy is to ensure that ships with 
a  strong  link  to  the  EU  in  terms  of  flag  or  ownership  are  dismantled  only  in  safe  and 
environmentally sound facilities worldwide. The Strategy aims to support and supplement the 
IMO Ship Recycling Convention96, particularly for the interim period, until this Convention 
enters into force. The convention was adopted by a diplomatic conference held in Hong Kong 
in  May  2009  and  is  now  awaiting  ratification.  Other  European  institutions,  such  as  the 
European  Parliament  and  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee,  have  adopted 
opinions on these documents. 

The Strategy also proposes measures to encourage voluntary action by the shipping industry 
and  better  enforcement  of  current  EU  waste  shipment  law.  The  Commission  is  to  further 
assess  the  feasibility  of  certain  instruments  which  may  assist  in  ensuring  a  better  ship 
dismantling, such as a certification and audit scheme for ship recycling facilities, and a ship 
dismantling fund. 

IV-25  Green paper on the Common Fisheries Policy - COM(2009) 163 final of 22.04.2009

and reform of the fisheries control regulation 

The Green Paper on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) was adopted in April 
2009.  It  launched  a  public  consultation  until  31  December  2009  as  a  basis  for  formulating 
reform  proposals  in  the  course  of  2010.  The  Green  Paper  highlights  the  urgent  need  for  a 
fundamental  reform  of  the  CFP.  It  sets  out  the  key  shortcomings  of  the  Common  Fisheries 
Policy  so  far,  and  asks  questions  on  how  to  address  them.  The  areas  that  are  to  be  tackled 
include fleet overcapacity, a lack of clear objectives of the policy and a decision framework 
prone to ignore long term core principles. Questions are also asked as to how to encourage the 
industry to take more responsibility in implementing the CFP and how to create a culture of 
compliance.  

Key options for the improvement of fisheries management are discussed, including the option 
of a differentiated regime to protect small scale coastal fleets, how to maximise revenue from 

95 
96 

COM(2007) 269 final of 22.05.2007 
See here: http://www.imo.org/About/mainframe.asp?topic_id=1773&doc_id=11368 

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fisheries and ensure viability, how to deal with the principle of relative stability and how to 
regulate better trade and markets. 

Among other things, this debate should cover links with the IMP and the relationship between 
issues, 
fisheries  and  regional  development,  spatial  planning,  economic  and  social 
environmental protection and climate change. 

The proposal of the Commission on the reform of the Fisheries Control Regulation contains 
important provisions of relevance to the integration of surveillance of the seas. It was adopted 
by the Commission in November 200897. 

IV-26  Regulation against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing 

The Regulation against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) Fishing was adopted on 29 
September  200898.  This  regulation  introduces  a  system  of  import  controls  and  catch 
certification  unique  in  the  world  which  ensures  that  fish  put  on  the  EU  market  are  legally 
fished.  The  system  of  enforcement,  in  cooperation  with  third  countries  and  EU  customs 
authorities, is presently being set up, with a view to its entry into force on 1 January 2010.  

At this point in time, the EU will be the only entity world wide with a comprehensive system 
to fight Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fisheries. Implementing rules have been adopted 
by  the  European  Commission  in  September  2009.  Numerous  seminars  with  third  countries 
have  been  organised,  covering  all  the  oceans,  in  order  to  ensure  a  smooth  implementation, 
which will require a cross sectoral cooperation among customs and fisheries authorities. 

IV-27  Actions against destructive fishing practices 

The implementation of the 2006 UN General Assembly Resolution on the protection of fragile 
high-seas ecosystems has prompted Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) 
to  adopt  new  regimes  for  the  management  of  bottom  fishing  in  high  seas  under  their 
responsibility (e.g. new rules were adopted in NAFO in May 2008 and discussed in NEAFC 
in July 2008). For high-seas areas not covered by any RFMO, the proposal for a Regulation 
on  destructive  fishing  practices  in  the  high  seas  and  the  protection  of  vulnerable  deep-sea 
ecosystems, presented in October 200799, was adopted by the Council in June 2008100.  

In  this  context,  it  is  noteworthy  that  with  the  adoption  of  that  Regulation,  the  European 
Community  is  the  only  entity  to  have  adopted  a  Regulation  on  the  protection  of  vulnerable 
marine ecosystems in the high seas from the adverse impacts of bottom fishing gears101. 

IV-28  Guardians of the Sea 

A  Commission  initiative  on  Guardians  of  the  Sea  could  provide  support  for  Common 
Fisheries Policy reform by addressing what possibilities there are for fishermen to contribute 

97 

98 
99 
100 
101 

COM(2008) 721 final of 14.11.2008; see also 
http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/control_enforcement/reform_control_en.htm 
Council Regulation No 1005/2008, OJ L/286/1 of 29.09.2008. 
COM(2007) 604 and COM(2007) 605 of 17.10.07. 
Council Regulation No 734/2008, OJ L/201/8 of 15.07.08. 
Regulation (EC) N° 734/2008 

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to  the  sustainable  use  of  the  seas  and,  at  the  same  time,  reduce  fishing  activities.  The 
Commission is reflecting on how to take this initiative forward. 

IV-29  Community initiatives for the protection of marine biodiversity 

The  EU  continues  to  call  for  an  integrated  approach  to  protect  marine  biodiversity  in  areas 
beyond  national  jurisdiction,  and  tabled  an  ambitious  set  of  proposals  to  this  end  at  the 
informal UN meeting on this matter from 28 April to 2 May 2008. 

Further discussions took place at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in May 2008 
and in November 2008 on the protection of marine biodiversity in connection with the UNGA 
Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries. Since the objective of creating a representative network 
of  Marine  Protected  Areas  is  far  from  being  achieved,  work  therefore  continued  on  the 
elaboration of scientific criteria for the identification and establishment of Marine Protected 
Areas both in areas within and beyond national jurisdiction, as well as on impact assessment 
in areas beyond national jurisdiction and on restrictions on certain practices that are likely to 
damage marine biodiversity such as ocean fertilisation. A Communication on the role of the 
Common  Fisheries  Policy  in  implementing  an  ecosystem  approach  to  marine  management 
was adopted on 11 April 2008.102 

Since  2006,  the  Commission  has  taken  the  lead  in  ensuring  a  coordinated  EU  position  on 
whaling, in particular within the IWC. In March 2009 the Council has established its position 
with regard to proposals for amendments to the International Convention on the Regulation of 
Whaling and its schedule103. The Commission will continue to strongly support all initiatives 
that aim to ensure a high level of protection for all species of cetaceans.  

In  February  2009104,  the  Commission  has  approved  Action  plan  for  the  Conservation  and 
Management of Sharks, based on the International Plan of Action adopted by FAO in 1999.  

On marine Natura 2000 sites, in particular offshore, a first assessment seminar took place in 
March  2009  for  the  Atlantic  marine  region.  The  Commission  will  continue  to  monitor  the 
efforts undertaken by the Member States in order to complete Natura 2000 in the marine in 
the light of previous commitments. 

V. 

Building a knowledge and innovation base for the maritime policy (AP chapter 5) 

V-1  European marine and maritime research 

An integrated approach to Maritime Policy in the EU requires an interdisciplinary scientific 
and  technological  knowledge  base.  Thus,  the  European  Commission  has  committed  to 
developing a Marine and Maritime Research Strategy, in partnership with Member States and 
stakeholders. 

102 
103
104 

COM(2008) 187 final of 11.04.2008 
COM (2008) 711 final of 6.11.2008 
COM(2009) 40 final of 5.02.2009 

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The first milestone of this action has been the adoption of the Communication on a European 
Strategy for Marine and Maritime Research105 (see V-2). The aim of the research strategy is to 
propose  the  means  to  create  better  integration  between  marine  and  maritime  research.  The 
role of the European Commission in the implementation of this strategy is: i) to make full use 
of  all  Community  instruments,  including  the  7th  Research  Framework  Programme,  as 
leverage  to  achieve  the  objectives  of  the  strategy;  ii)  to  facilitate  a  coordinated  approach 
between  Member  States  contributing  to  the  objectives  of  the  strategy;  iii)  to  oversee  the 
implementation and continuous adaptation of the strategy, in partnership with Member States 
and  the  marine  and  maritime  scientific  communities.  The  launch  of  the  European  Maritime 
Observation and Data Network (EMODNET) in November 2009 is an integral component of 
the strategy. 

Under FP7, an estimated EC-contribution of 424 million € has been dedicated so far to 115 
projects concerning marine and maritime issues, through calls for proposals launched in 2007 
and 2008 by the different Cooperation themes concerned: Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and 
Biotechnology - Energy - Environment (including climate change) - Transport. 

V-2  Communication on a Marine and Maritime Research Strategy –  

COM(2008) 534 final of 3.09.2008 

Further  to  the  Action  Plan,  this  Communication  was  adopted  on  3  September  2008.  The 
Competitiveness Council, in its conclusions on the strategy in December 2008106, essentially 
endorsed  the  Communication  and  its  foreseen  actions.  The  Council  welcomed  the 
Communication as important for sustainable economic development and management of the 
seas and oceans, noting that it addresses the complexity of marine and maritime research and 
puts forward an innovative model of governance for this research field.  

The  Council  furthermore  endorsed  the  aims,  which  are  to  boost  the  overall  potential  of 
European  marine  and  maritime  research  and  to  reduce  its  fragmentation  through  increased 
integration  and  through  cooperation  between  all  actors  in  this  area  in  the  EU  and 
internationally.  It  recognised  that  the  proposed  strategy  represents  significant  progress 
towards the development of a European Research Area (ERA). The strategy calls for actions 
to be implemented in cooperation with stakeholders and Member States through a partnership 
approach.  

Development of the Implementation plan 

The implementation phase of the marine and maritime research strategy initiated shortly after 
its  adoption  by  the  Commission.  The  roadmap  for  the  implementation  has  been  finalised  in 
May  2009.  The  roadmap  contains  the  actions  foreseen  to  implement  the  strategy.  The  most 
immediate  actions  include:  the  organisation  of  an  expert  group  on  marine  research 
infrastructures; identifying funding opportunities for research infrastructures, particularly with 
structural finds; streamlining existing ERA-Nets into a single large one; use CIP to boost eco-
innovation  and  knowledge  transfer;  make  use  of  the  "Regions  of  knowledge"  initiative  to 
promote regional maritime clusters; promote partnership in regional basins and international 
scientific cooperation. 

105 
106 

COM(2008) 534 final of 3.09.2008 
Council document 16019/08. 

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Integration across scientific disciplines 

The  first  actions  carried  out  under  the  implementation  of  the  strategy  mainly  concern  the 
integration across scientific disciplines.  

A  coordinated  call  for  proposals  with  a  view  of  promoting  a  "sustainable  use  of  seas  and 
oceans"  has  been  launched  in  2008  (WP  2009)  within  three  different  thematic  priorities 
(Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology; Environment including climate change; 
Energy), through the following topics: 

- In theme 2 (Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology): Integration of aquaculture 
and fisheries in the coastal zone; Importance of foraging fish in the ecosystem; Biomass from 
micro- and macro-algae for industrial applications.  

- In theme 5 (Energy): Deep off-shore multi-purpose renewable energy conversion platforms 
for wind/ocean energy conversion; Coordination action on off-shore renewable energy 
conversion platforms; Algal and other suitable non-food aquatic biomass feedstock for second 
generation bio-fuel production.  

- In theme 6 (Environment including climate change): Options for ecosystem based 
management; Towards integrated European marine research strategy and programmes; 
Support to "Maritime Partnership"; Integrated coastal zone management; Climate change 
impacts on the marine environment: research results and public perception. 

In WP2010, for the first time, a specific cross-thematic call on ocean management107 has been 
launched  with  an  indicative  budget  of  €34  m illion.  The  call  involves  various  cooperation 
themes: Theme 2 – Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology, Theme 5 - Energy, 
Theme  6  –  Environment  (including  climate  change),  Theme  7  -  Transport  and  Theme  8  – 
Socio-economic  sciences  and  Humanities.  It  aims  to  fund  large  multidisciplinary  research 
projects involving partners from different countries and research fields. 

Marine and Maritime Research Infrastructures 

At  the  level  of  research  infrastructures,  the  European  Strategy  Forum  on  Research 
Infrastructures (ESFRI) has updated in 2008108 its roadmap which defines the scientific needs 
for  research  Infrastructure.  The  ESFRI  roadmap  contains  5  marine-related  research 
infrastructures:  
- Aurora Borealis (European Research Icebreaker with Deep-Sea Drilling Capability)109; 
- EMSO (European Multidisciplinary Seafloor Observation)110; 
- Euro-Argo (global array of floats throughout the ice-free areas of the deep ocean)111; 
- Lifewatch (e-Science and Technology Infrastructure for Biodiversity Research)112; 
- EMBRC (European Marine Biological Resource Centre)113.  

107 
108 
109 
110 
111 
112 
113 

"The ocean of tomorrow: joining research forces to meet challenges in ocean management" 
ESFRI, 2008. European Roadmap for research infrastructures – roadmap 2008.  
http://www.eri-aurora-borealis.eu/ 
http://www.esonet-emso.org/ 
http://www.euro-argo.eu/ 
http://www.lifewatch.eu/ 
http://www.embrc.eu/ 

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In addition, the commission of a study on the financing opportunities under structural funds 
for  marine  and  maritime  research  infrastructures  and  the  set  up  of  an  expert  group  on  the 
financing of marine and maritime research infrastructures, are foreseen in the second half of 
2009.  

VI.  Delivering the highest quality of life in coastal regions (AP chapter 6) 

VI-1  Adapting to Climate Change – COM(2009) 147 final of 1.04.2009 

The White Paper on Adapting to the Climate Change was adopted on 2 April 2009 in time for 
the  Informal  Environmental  Council  in  April.  The  document  points  at  the  need  for  an 
economic  perspective  in  EU  adaptation  policy  to  allocate  resources  between  different 
adaptation strategies efficiently. It highlights that climate change effects and impacts will be 
severe on the coasts and marine ecosystems and therefore it directly relates to the IMP114. 

The  White  Paper  acknowledges  the  severe  impacts  to  be  suffered  by  certain  regions  and 
sectors  as  consequence  of  climate  change  and  gives  special  attention  to  coastal  and  marine 
environments. The strategy proposed in the White Paper commits the Commission to ensure 
that  adaptation  in  coastal  and  marine  areas  is  taken  into  account  in  the  framework  of  the 
Integrated  Maritime  Policy,  in  the  implementation  of  the  Marine  Strategy  Framework 
Directive and in the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. 

The EU is also working with developing countries to facilitate effective adaptation policies. 
The EU will support developing countries, in particular Least Developed Countries (LDCS) 
and  Small  Island  Developing  States  (SIDS),  through  the  Global  Climate  Change  Alliance 
(GCCA), launched in 2008 and through other programmes.  

Special  attention  will  be  given  to  supporting  adaptation  measures  to  sea  related  impacts  of 
climate change on SIDS. The Commission will contribute to exchange of best practices in this 
respect through the Global Forum for Oceans, Coasts and Islands. 

VI-2  Study on "The Economics of Climate Change Adaptation in EU Coastal Areas" 

The Commission conducted a study on the "Economics of climate change adaptation in EU 
coastal  areas"  in  the  framework  of  the  series  of  "Socio-economic  studies  in  the  field  of 
Maritime Affairs"115. The study provides insights in the state-of-play and financial dimension 
of the actions undertaken to prepare Europe’s coastal zones as well as the outermost regions 
for  the  effects  of  climate  change.  Furthermore,  this  study  compares  the  different  climate 
change  adaptation  aspects  from  an  empirical  perspective  with  results  drawn  from  dedicated 
scientific literature. The Study includes 23 specific reports for each of the 22 coastal Member 
States  and  the  Outermost  Regions.  A  comprehensive  compilation  of  documentation  on 
climate  change  adaptation  in  coastal  and  marine  areas  can  be  found  in  an  on-line  library, 
including specific information for each coastal Member State and the Outermost Regions. 

In the empirical investigation, information was systematically collected on: 

114 

115 

See p.4 of the White Paper:  
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0147:FIN:EN:PDF 
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/climate_change_en.html 

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- Climate change vulnerability of European coastal areas; 
- Level of responsibility and key actors; 
- Adaptation plans and practices in European coastal areas at (sub-) national level; 
- Coastal protection and climate change adaptation expenditure in European coastal areas at 
(sub-) national level for the period 1998-2015. 

Based on the analysis carried out, the study makes a number of recommendations.  

The  Commission  is  analysing  the  study  results  and  will,  together  with  Member  States, 
determine the possible follow-up. 

VI-3  Community approach on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters –  

COM(2009) 82 final of 23.02.2009 

As  foreseen  in  chapter  6.3  of  the  AP  -  Action  on  Mitigation  and  Adaptation  to  Climate 
Change – the Commission is developing a Disaster Prevention Strategy. In order to improve 
the  consistency  and  comprehensiveness  of  preventive  action  at  EU  level,  and  following  a 
broad  stakeholder  consultation  process,  the  Commission  adopted  in  February  2009  a 
Communication on the Community approach to reducing the impact of natural and man-made 
disasters within the EU.  

The  Communication  focuses  on  areas  where  a  common  approach  is  more  effective  than 
separate national approaches, such as developing knowledge, linking actors and policies, and 
improving the performance of existing Community disaster prevention instruments. Specific 
reference is made to floods (also coastal floods116) and the previous Communication on this 
particular natural risk117. 

VI-4  Annual bathing water reports 

On  11  June  2009  the  Commission  and  the  European  Environment  Agency  presented  the 
annual bathing water report118 which revealed that the large majority of bathing sites across 
the European Union met EU hygiene standards in 2008. During that bathing season some 96% 
of coastal bathing areas and 92% of bathing sites in rivers and lakes complied with minimum 
standards. The report provides useful water quality information for the millions of people who 
visit Europe's beaches every summer. 

In 2008 the number of bathing waters monitored increased by some 75 sites. Of the 21.400 
bathing areas monitored throughout the European Union in 2008 two thirds were on the coast 
and the rest were along rivers and lakes. The overall quality of bathing waters in the EU has 
markedly  improved  since  1990.  Compliance  with  mandatory  values  (minimum  quality 
requirements)  increased  over  the  1990  to  2008  period  from  80%  to  96%  and  from  52%  to 
92% in coastal and inland waters respectively. From 2007 to 2008 compliance increased both 
for inland and coastal waters (1,1 and 3,3 percentage points respectively). To determine their 
quality bathing waters are tested against a number of physical, chemical and microbiological 
parameters  for  which  the  Bathing  Water  Directive119  sets  out  mandatory  values.  Member 

116 

117 
118 
119 

See p.7 of the Communication: 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0082:FIN:EN:PDF 
Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-bathing/report_2009.html 
Directive 76/160/EEC on the quality of bathing water 

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States must comply with the mandatory values but may adopt the stricter standards and non-
binding guide values. 

In  2006  a  new  bathing  water  directive120  took  effect  which  updated  the  parameters  and 
monitoring provisions in line with the latest scientific knowledge. The new Directive places 
greater  emphasis  on  providing  information  to  the  public  on  the  quality  of  bathing  areas. 
Member  States  have  until  2015  to  fully  implement  the  new  Directive  but  twelve  Member 
States  (Cyprus,  Denmark,  Estonia,  Finland,  Germany,  Hungary,  Latvia,  Lithuania, 
Luxembourg, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden) already monitored their bathing areas during the 
2008 bathing season according to the parameters of the new Directive. 

VI-5  Database on projects in maritime regions 

As foreseen in the IMP Action Plan, the Commission is setting up a database on projects in 
Maritime regions. The collection of the necessary data to fill the database is advancing well 
and  will  be  completed  by  end  of  2009.  Europe's  coastal  regions  have  been  active  in 
developing  projects  to  strengthen  their  maritime  economy  and  its  sustainable  development, 
which  have  benefited  from  support  of  EU  funds.  The  Commission  considers  that  more 
transparency on projects funded by the EU funds would provide a good source of inspiration 
for coastal regions in their future regional development strategies.  

VII.  Promoting Europe's leadership in international maritime affairs (AP chapter 7) 

VII-1  Assessment of the EU’s profile in international maritime fora 

The Commission has agreed to undertake an assessment of the situation of the EU’s role in 
international maritime organisations.  

In 2008, it commissioned a study on this subject to provide an overview of how the relevant 
interests  of  the  EC  and  its  Member  States  are  represented  and  promoted  in  the  maritime 
international  organisations.  The  results  of  the  study  were  made  available  mid-2009.  This 
study  will  feed  into  a  policy  document  on  the  international  dimension  of  the  IMP,  which 
should also cover dialogue on maritime issues with strategic partners.  

VII-2  Communication  "Developing  the  international  dimension  of  the  Integrated
Maritime Policy of the European Union" - COM(2009)536 final of 14.10.2009 

The overall objective of this policy document is to set out ways of promoting the role played 
by the EU in international maritime affairs through better coordination of European interests 
in key international fora and inclusion of maritime matters in dialogues with strategic partners 
in  order  to  work  towards  more  efficient  international  governance  of  maritime  affairs  and 
effective enforcement of international maritime law.  

VII-3  Commission initiatives for the prevention and suppression of maritime piracy  

Piracy and other forms of organised crime at sea are of great concern to the Commission, as 
maritime  transport  carries  80 %  of  world  trade  and  40 %  of  the  world’s  merchant  fleet  is 

120 

Directive 2006/7/EC on the management of bathing water quality 

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controlled by companies from EU Member States. The EU has been heavily involved in the 
fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

Maritime  security  under  Regulation  (EC)  No.  725/2004121,  and  in  particular  preventive 
measures  against  piracy  and  armed  robbery  at  sea,  are  a  matter  of  Community  competence, 
notably by virtue of article 1, article 1.2, article 2.5, article 2.13 as well as recital 2 and recital 
5 of the said Regulation. Therefore preventive measures against those threats must deserve an 
univocal effort from the Community and its Member States in close liaison with the lessons 
learned notably by the shipping industry 

Operation EU NAVFOR Atalanta122, the first EU naval operation ever, which is based on UN 
Security  Council  Resolutions  1816  and  1846,  has since  December  2008  escorted  more  than 
125.000  tonnes  of  humanitarian  supplies  to  Somalia,  and  contributed  to  the  protection  of 
vulnerable  shipping  and  shipments  of  the  African  Union  Mission  in  Somalia.  The  naval 
operation is only part of a comprehensive package of measures aimed at improving security 
and  institution-building  in  Somalia  on  a  long-term  basis.  The  duration  of  the  Operation 
Atalanta was initially set for 12 months after reaching the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) 
on  13  December  2008.  The  end  date  rather  than  end  state  approach  has  been  selected,  thus 
recognising that enduring suppression of piracy and armed robbery is not a realistic objective 
for a Naval Force. The Council, recognising the success of the operation, agreed on 15 June 
2009 that mandate should be extended for one year from its current end date of 13 December 
2009123. 

The  Commission  supports  the  efforts  of  the  International  Maritime  Organisation  to  help 
coastal States address the problem. In particular, an important sub-regional meeting was held 
in  January  2009  in  Djibouti  and  resulted  in  the  adoption  of  a  Code  of  Conduct  (CoC) 
concerning the repression of piracy and armed robbery in the Western Indian Ocean and the 
Gulf  of  Aden.  Pursuant  the  Djibouti  Code  of  Conduct  the  Commission  will  co-fund  the 
establishment  of  the  Information  Sharing  Centre  in  Sana'a  and  the  Training  Centre  in 
Djibouti.  The  EU's  support  pledged  at  the  Donors'  Conference  on  23  April  2009  for  the 
Somali police forces and AMISOM also demonstrates the comprehensive EU commitment to 
addressing  the  root  causes  of  piracy.  Moreover,  the  Commission  actively  participates  in  the 
reviewing  process  of  the  relevant  IMO  instruments.  It  has  been  directly  involved  in  the 
exercise of drafting the new texts of the anti-piracy related recommendations and guidelines. 
It also steered the process in order to reach an agreed community position on the documents at 
stake  in  that  forum  and  contributed  to  the  positive  results  achieved  in  the  Maritime  Safety 
Committee. 

In  order  to  define  possible  measures,  to  ensure  that  its  efforts  and  messages  on  the 
international  scene  are  coherent  and  consistent,  and  to  guarantee  the  best  possible 
coordination  and  consultation  within  its  services,  the  Commission  has  set  up  an  Informal 
Working  Group  (IWG)  on  piracy,  which  meets  regularly.  In  addition,  the  Commission  has 
agreed  a  2009-2011  programme  to  be  funded  from  the  Instrument  for  Stability  to  deal  with 
security  issues  in  some  "critical  maritime  routes",  including  the  Horn  of  Africa  region.  In 
parallel, further to its Resolution of 23 October 2008 on piracy, the European Parliament has 

121 
122 
123 

OJ L 129, 29.4.2008 
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showPage.aspx?id=1518&lang=en 
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/esdp/108482.pdf 

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secured an amount of €1 million for  projects to combat piracy. To this end, a pilot project on 
piracy is to be launched. 

A  high-level  meeting  with  leading  figures  from  the  European  maritime  sector  addressing 
piracy  and  armed  robbery  has  been  held  in  January  2009.  Furthermore,  in  the  aim  of 
enhancing  awareness  of  the  maritime  cluster  and  disseminating  best  practices  amongst 
stakeholders a seminar on maritime security in the framework of the ASEAN Regional Forum 
(ARF)  and  a  high-level  meeting  on  the  piracy's  impact  on  the  human  element  have  been 
scheduled  for  the  last  quarter  of  this  year.  Several  United  Nations  Security  Council 
resolutions in 2008 authorised the international community, with the permission of the Somali 
transitional federal government (TFG), to fight piracy in Somali territory by land, sea and air. 
Following the transfer agreement with Kenya, suspected pirates apprehended by Atalanta are 
transferred for trial to Kenya. In the wake of attacks that took place in the EEZ of Seychelles, 
the  Council  has  decided  to  amend  the  area  of  operations  of  Atalanta  to  also  include  the 
Seychelles. The  modalities for a transfer agreement  for  piracy  trials  with  the  Seychelles  are 
also underway 

Following UN Security Council Resolution 1851 the Contact Group on piracy off the coast of 
Somalia  was  established  in  January  as  an  international  cooperation  mechanism  to  act  as  a 
common  point  of  contact  for  combating  piracy  and  a  centre  in  the  region  to  coordinate 
relevant information. It includes countries, organisations (UN, IMO, EU, AU, Arab League) 
and  industry  affected  by  or  fighting  piracy.  It  has  four  Working  Groups  on:  (1)  military 
coordination; (2) legal aspects; (3) self protection measures; (4) public outreach policy. The 
last  meeting  of  the  Contact  Group  took  place  on  29  May  in  UN  premises  in  New  York. 
Commission  participates  in  the  plenary  meetings  and  the  meetings  of  first,  third  and  fourth 
Working Group.  

Communication on the European Union and the Arctic Region 

This  issue  is  covered  in  the  chapter  II-1  above  on  "Activities  in  relation  to  the  sea  basins" 
above. 

VIII.  Raising the visibility of maritime Europe (AP chapter 8) 

VIII-1 European Maritime Day (EMD) 2008 and 2009 

The  European  Maritime  Day  was  officially  proclaimed  by  Presidents  of  the  Commission, 
European Parliament and European Council in Strasbourg on 20 May 2008 through a tripartite 
declaration124. It shows the importance of the sea and oceans for everyday life, both in coastal 
communities  and  across  Europe  as  a  whole.  It  also  highlights  the  opportunities  and  the 
challenges  currently  facing  maritime  regions  and  sectors:  from  tourism  and  fisheries  to 
maritime transport and climate change. 

The first edition of the stakeholder conference was held in Brussels on 19 and 20 May 2008. 
More than 400 participants were discussing two main issues: regional approach to maritime 

124 

http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/pdf/maritime_policy_action/20080520_original-signatures-
declaratio_en.pdf 

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policy  and  development  of  stakeholder  dialogue125.  Building  upon  this  first  experience,  the 
2009 stakeholder conference in Rome126 (18 - 20 May 2009) brought together more than 1300 
decision-makers and practitioners from across the EU. They looked at the way a wide range 
of policies and practices  can be combined for  sustainable development  of  maritime  regions. 
Views given at the conference will feed in to the future development of the EU’s Integrated 
Maritime Policy.  

Before,  during  and  after  the  conference,  a  number  of  organisations  organised  exhibitions, 
workshops  or  presentations  on  themes  linked  to  the  conference  agenda.  The  conclusions  of 
the  conference  emphasised  the  importance  of  the  maritime  economy  and  the  benefits  of  the 
Integrated Maritime Policy. 

The  objective  of  European  Maritime  Day  is  to  promote  a  range  of  maritime  events  self-
organised  by  stakeholders  throughout  Europe  to  turn  the  spotlight  on  different  activities 
related to the sea. In this way, national and regional government, NGOs, employers, unions, 
scientific institutions, port authorities, environmental groups and many more could show their 
activities and learn from each other. About 10 events across Europe were held in 2008 and 40 
events  in  2009,  such  as  conferences,  workshops,  exhibitions,  activities  at  museums  and 
aquaria and school projects. 

European Maritime Day will continue to be the key event for gathering the whole maritime 
community  once  a  year  and  should  be  further  complemented  with,  besides  a  central 
conference, even more de-central events all over Europe. EMD 2010 will take place in Gijón, 
in Asturias on the Atlantic Coast of Spain, following the principle of rotation among different 
sea basins. 

VIII-2 European Atlas of the Seas 

The  Blue  Paper  on  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  and  the  Action  Plan  announced  the 
development  of  a  European  Atlas  of  the  Seas  as  an  educational  tool  and  as  a  means  of 
highlighting  our  common  maritime  heritage.  The  Atlas  will  make  use  of  available  spatial 
information and  build on the work of the  European Marine  Observation and  Data Network. 
While  EMODNET  aims  to  provide  scientists,  public  authorities  and  private  bodies  with  the 
data  they  need  to  create  value-added  products  and  services,  the  European  Atlas  of  the  Seas 
has a wider range of target users. It aims to increase public awareness of the sea, clarify the 
spatial  dimension  of  EU  policies  with  an  impact  on  the  sea,  and  develop  the  identities  of 
individual sea basins. The first edition of the web-based European Atlas of the Seas will be 
ready by the end of 2009 and advanced versions developed subsequently. 

VIII-3 Workshop on Europe's maritime cultural heritage 

Although no specific action on maritime heritage was foreseen in the Action Plan, the Blue 
Paper  clearly  stated  that:  "[The  Integrated  Maritime  Policy]  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." 

125 
126 

http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritime-day-2008_en.html 
The  full  documentation  of  the  EMD  2009  in  Rome,  including  the  key  note  speech  by  Commission 
President Barroso, can be found here: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritimeday/index_en.html#1 

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A  first  workshop  on  Europe's  maritime  cultural  heritage  was  held  during  the  EMD  2009127, 
undertaking  to  make  a  link  from  maritime  heritage  to  the  promotion  of  local  and  regional 
tourism. The objectives of the workshop were: 

-  Linking  the  maritime  dimension  of  Europe  to  the  new  theme  “EDEN  destination  for  its 
Aquatic Sustainable Tourism Offer”. 
- Showcasing the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage through examples of maritime 
heritage prize winners. 
- Developing the issue of Europe's maritime industrial heritage. 
- Learning best practice from EU regional projects. 
- Establishing maritime cultural heritage in postgraduate education. 

The workshop concluded that "the variety of individual projects all over Europe proves that 
there  is  a  common  maritime  heritage  which  could  be  used  as  the  cultural  pillar  of  an 
integrated maritime policy. However, only a small part of the projects are visibly labelled as 
European and thus are not perceived by the European public as a genuine European maritime 
heritage. Others are either too specific or too specialised to be perceived by a larger public as 
of  general  European  importance.  Especially  the  latter  deserve  more  and  more  widespread 
recognition – a task which could be fulfilled by European institutions. 

Taken  into  consideration  that  the  European  institutions  should  not  act  normatively  it  seems 
reasonable  to  focus  on  a  few  but  carefully  chosen  projects  related  to  our  common  maritime 
heritage.  Here  the  European  Commission  could  e.g.  provide  for  a  framework  in  which  a 
network  of  projects  could  be  embedded.  The  projects  accepted  should  be  carefully  selected 
and fulfil certain criteria like quality, European dimension, public interest to safeguard both 
standard and sustainability." 

VIII-4 Maritime statistics - Key figures for coastal regions and sea areas 

The  Commission's  statistical  service  published  in  June  2009  key  figures  for  coastal  regions 
and sea areas under its "Statistics in Focus" programme128. These contain a range of official 
statistics  that  are  currently  available,  published  for  the  first  time  in  terms  of  EU  coastal 
regions.  These  coastal  regions  are  defined  as  standard  statistical  regions  (NUTS  level  3), 
which have at least half of their population within 50 km of the coast. In addition, the coastal 
data  are  presented  following  the  six  main  sea  basins  which  border  the  EU  territory.  This 
initiative confirms a number of analytical challenges for coastal data and seas basins. Existing 
databases need to be improved in terms of coverage, resolution and data collection frequency. 
Statistics  contained  in  the  publication  illustrate  how  data  from  different  statistical  domains 
can  be  used  as  a  tool  for  better  governance  in  the  context  of  the  Integrated  EU  Maritime 
Policy. 

127 

128 

The workshop proceedings can be found here:  
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritimeday/workshop2_en.html 
http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-SF-09-047/EN/KS-SF-09-047-EN.PDF 

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PROGRESS ON MARITIME POLICY ACTION PLAN (SEC(2007)1278) AND NEW MARITIME POLICY INITIATIVES 

Implementation of the Action Plan 

Action Plan Reference 

Specific Action 

Overview of documents and actions taken 

2.1  Action towards 

integration of 
Maritime Affairs 
across the EU 

Guidelines for national 
integrated maritime policies; 
first semester 2008 

Guidelines for an Integrated Approach to Maritime Policy: Towards best practice in 
integrated maritime governance and stakeholder consultation, COM(2008)395, 
26.06.08  

Report on Member States' 
actions; 2009 

At an informal meeting on 13.07.08 in Brest, Europe ministers acknowledged the 
necessity to reinforce maritime governance; MS information fiches on MS maritime 
governance have been drawn up (see 
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/governance_memberstates_en.html). 

Reporting covered in the progress report on Integrated Maritime Policy. 

2.2  Regulatory 

obstacles 

Report on regulatory 
obstacles; first semester 2008

Regulatory Concerns raised during the Consultation Process on a future Maritime 
Policy for the European Union, SEC(2008) 2993, 02.12.08. 

2.3  Collective learning 
– exchange of best 
practice 

Establishment of networks of 
best practices (2008-2009) 

Proposals to build on exchange of best practice are made in the Roadmap on 
Maritime Spatial Planning (see 3.2) and in the study on maritime clusters (see 4.1). 

Stakeholders themselves are developing a shared platform for dialogue (Venice 
Platform). 

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3.1 

Surveillance 
Activities 

Working documents 
describing organisation of 
offshore activities and 
identifying surveillance, 
monitoring and reporting 
systems in Europe; 
November 2007  

Work plan for an integrated 
network of all European 
maritime surveillance 
systems; second semester 
2008 

3.2  Maritime Spatial 

Planning and 
Integrated Coastal 

Road map on development of 
maritime spatial planning by 
Member States; 2008 

Working Documents I: Organization of Offshore Activities in Littoral EU Member 
States 

Working Document II: Maritime Cross-Border Cooperation between EU Littoral 
Member States in Five Sea Regions. 
November 2007. 

Working Document III: Maritime Surveillance Systems, 14.06.07. 

Non-paper on maritime surveillance, SEC(2008)2337, 13.10.08. 

Call for proposals for a Pilot project in the Mediterranean and Atlantic approaches - 
published 17.12.2008(MARE/2008/13) and for a Pilot Project in the Northern 
European Sea Basins (MARE/2009/04) 

Communication "Towards the integration of maritime surveillance in the European 
Union (COM(2009) 538 final and SEC(2009) 1341) 

Roadmap for Maritime Spatial Planning: Achieving Common Principles in the EU, 
COM(2008) 791, 25.11.2008. 

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Zone Management 

Establishment of a system 
for exchange of best 
practices; 2009 

Workshops in 2009 to discuss the options for implementation and the key principles 
set out in the Roadmap: 

- Kick-off conference, Brussels 26.02.2009 

- Workshop, Ispra, 23/24.04.2009 

- Workshop, Azores, 02/03.07.2009 

- Workshop, Stockholm, 02.10.2009 

An action on coastal zone management “exchanges of experience and comparative 
analysis for integrated coastal zone management” started on 16/12/2008 for 38 
months with a budget of €  1 million (ref. 2008/S 110-146912; 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/funding/pdf/specifications_en08042.pdf).  

See Roadmap on development of maritime spatial planning by Member States, 
COM(2008) 791. 

Examination of options 
needed to make the uses of 
different maritime activities 
more compatible; 2008 

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3.3  European Marine 

Observation and 
Data Network 

Roadmap in 2008 leading to 
Action Plan in 2009 

Preparatory actions for European Marine Observation and Data Network 
(MARE/2008/03) launched to define the appropriate processes, best  
 technology and approximate costs of a final network and provide the first  
 system components. 

Commission Staff Working Document "Building a European marine knowledge  
 infrastructure: Roadmap for a European Marine Observation and Data  
 Network", SEC(2009)499, 07.04.2009. 

Consultation to assess stakeholder opinion on the current state of Europe's  
marine knowledge infrastructure and how the EU could act collectively to improve  
(until02.06.2009).http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/governance/consultations/consultat
ion_emodnet_en.htm)  

Preparatory action: Study on the legal aspects of environmental data 
(http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/study_lamed_en.html) 

Preparatory action for development and assessment of a European broad-scale seabed 
habitat map. (MARE/2008/07) launched. 

Proposal on a programme for 
multi-dimensional mapping 
of the sea in Member States' 
waters; second semester 
2008 

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4.1  Development of 

multi-sectoral 
clusters and 
regional centres of 
maritime 
excellence 

A staff working document on 
Maritime Clusters; October 
2007 

This will prepare the ground 
for future work, including 
the establishment of a 
European network of 
maritime clusters. 

4.2  Maritime 
Transport 

Consultation on a European 
Space for Maritime 
Transport without barriers; 
October 2007 

Maritime Clusters, SEC(2007) 1406, 17.10.07. 

Study: "The role of maritime clusters to enhance the strength and development of 
maritime sectors" describing characteristics and functions of clusters with a view to 
facilitating cooperation and learning from best practice, November 2008. 

Focus on maritime clusters during events around the European Maritime Day 2009 

Consultation on a European maritime transport space without barriers reinforcing the 
internal market for intra-European maritime transport, SEC(2007) 1351, October 
2007. 

Results of the Internet consultation on a European maritime transport space without 
barriers reinforcing the internal market for intra-European maritime transport, 2008. 

A staff working document on 
the Motorways of the Sea; 
October 2007 

Report on the Motorways of the Sea, State of play and consultation, SEC(2007) 
1367, 18.18.07. 

Study to assess trends for the 
period 2008-2018; 2007 

Study "OPTIMAR - Benchmarking strategic options for European shipping and for 
the European maritime transport system in the horizon 2008-2018", September 2008. 

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Communication from the 
Commission providing 
guidance on State aid 
complementary to 
Community funding for the 
launching of the motorways 
of the sea 

Final Guidelines on the 
application of competition 
rules to maritime transport; 
2008 

Conference on trends and 
shipping scenarios; first 
semester 2008 

Proposal on establishment of 
European Space for 
Maritime Transport without 
barriers; 2008 

White Paper on Maritime 
Transport strategy to 2018; 
2008 

Short State aid communication aimed at aligning duration and intensity of 
complementary State aid with duration and intensity of Community funding of 
Marco Polo and TEN-T selected projects for the realisation of the motorways of the 
sea. OJ C 317, 12.12.2008, p. 10. 

Guidelines on the application of Article 81 of the EC Treaty to maritime transport, 
SEC(2008) 2151, 01.07.08. 

Discussed in the context of European Maritime Day 2009 

Communication and action plan with a view to establishing a European maritime 
transport space without barriers, COM(2009)10, 21.01.09 and proposal for a 
Directive, COM(2009) 11 final/2009/0005 (COD). 

Strategic goals and recommendations for the EU’s maritime transport policy until 
2018, COM(2009)8, 21.01.09. 

Communication providing 
guidance on State aid to ship 
management companies 

Short State aid communication extending to crew managers and technical managers 
of ships the eligibility to the tonnage tax under certain conditions. OJ C 132, 
11.6.2009, p. 6 

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Policy document on e-
maritime services; 2009 

No documents available yet. 

Review of block exemption 
regulation; before April 2010 

No documents available yet. 

4.3 

Strengthening 
careers and 
employment; the 
maritime sectors 

(a) Promotion of 
employment for 
Seafarers 

Support ECSA and ETF in 
their ongoing negotiations to 
transpose elements of ILO 
Maritime Labour 
Convention. 

Agreement concluded by ECSA and ETF on the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, 
19.05.08. 

Proposal for a directive on 
Article 139 ECT 
(implementation of ILO 
Convention) 

Council Directive implementing the Agreement concluded by the European 
Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) and the European Transport Workers' 
Federation (ETF) on the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 and amending Directive 
1999/63/EC, COM(2008) 422, 02.07.08 - 2009/13/EC of 16.02.2009. 

Action Plan to enhance status 
of seafaring careers; 2nd 
semester 2009 

Proposal for Directive on 
enforcement of labour 
standards (Article 80.2); 
2009-2010 

No documents available yet. 

No documents available yet. 

Proposal for Council 
decision for ratification by 
EU MS of ILO convention 
on work in the fishing sector. 

Proposal for a Council Decision authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests 
of the European Community, the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007, of the 
International Labour Organisation (Convention 188), COM(2008) 320, 27.05.08. EP 
approval 14 January 2009 

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Explore implementation of 
ILO convention on fisheries 
standards. 

Social partners analysing the possibility of starting negotiations in view of 
concluding an agreement. 

(b) Qualifications 
of seafarers 

Action Plan on qualifications 
of seafarers; 2nd semester 
2009 

(c) Exclusions of 
maritime 
professions from 
EU social 
legislation and 
working conditions 

Communication launching 
the reassessment of the 
exclusions of maritime 
sectors from EU labour law; 
October 2007 

4.4  Ports policy 

Communication on Ports; 
October 2007 

Guidelines on State Aid to 
ports 

Guidelines on the application 
of Community environment 
legislation to port 
development 

No documents available yet. 

Reassessing the regulatory social framework for more and better seafaring jobs in the 
EU (first phase consultation of the social partners at Community level provided for in 
Article 138(2) of the Treaty), COM(2007) 591, 10.10.07. 

Reassessing the regulatory social framework for more and better seafaring jobs in the 
EU: Second consultation of the European social partners on the revision of 
exclusions concerning seafaring workers contained in Directives 2008/94/EC, 
94/45/EC, 2002/14/EC, 98/59/EC, 2001/23/EC and 96/71/EC, C / 2009 / 2211, 
02.04.2009 

Communication on a European Ports Policy, COM(2007) 616, 18.10.07. 

No documents available yet. 

No documents available yet. 

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4.5  Air Pollution by 

Ships 

4.6 

Ship dismantling 

4.7  Action on marine-
based energy 
infrastructures and 
resources 

Promote use of shore-side 
electricity by ships at berth 
in EU ports. 

Evaluate options for EU 
legislation to reduce 
greenhouse gas emissions. 

Communication on a 
Strategy for ship 
dismantling; 2008 

Continuation of active 
participation in IMO work on 
a Ship Recycling 
Convention. Ongoing. 

Revise Guidelines for Trans-
European Energy Networks; 
2009 

No documents available yet. 

Ongoing work is supported by a study with a duration of 12 months into possible 
policy options and their impacts. 

An EU strategy for better ship dismantling, COM(2008) 767, 19.11.08. 

Ongoing work, see http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/ships/index.htm 

6 month study on options for new initiatives regarding dismantling of ships and the 
feasibility of a funding mechanism as from January 2009. 

Green Paper - Towards a secure, sustainable and competitive European Energy 
Network, COM(2008) 782, 13.11.08 (public consultation until 31.03.09). 

4.8  Action on 

developing the 
situation of 

Working document on 
fishers as "Guardians of the 
Sea"; second semester 2008 

No documents available yet. 

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A Report of the Commission 
on implementation of 
provisions of Directive 
93/103/EC (this action is 
linked with Action 4.3); 
2009 

Communication on eco-
system approach in 
Fisheries; 2008 

A draft to be ready in autumn 2009 in order to insert amendments as requested.  

The role of the CFP in implementing an ecosystem approach to marine management, 
COM(2008) 187, 11.04.08. 

Roadmap for discards; 2008 

See dedicated website 

fishermen at sea 

4.9 

Implementation of 
the Eco-System 
Approach in 
European 
Fisheries 

(a) Strengthening 
the implementation 
of the Eco-System 
Approach; the 
Common Fisheries 
Policy 

(b) Implementation 
of a policy to 
progressively 
eliminate discards; 
European fisheries 

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4.10 

Proposals on the 
protection of 
fisheries resources 
in international 
waters 

(a) Action to 
eliminate Illegal, 
Unregulated and 
Unreported (IUU) 
Fishing 

(b) Action on 
Destructive 
Fishing Practices 

Communication and 
Regulation on combating 
IUU Fisheries; 2007 

On a new strategy for the Community to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, 
Unreported and Unregulated fishing, COM(2007) 601 and Proposal for a Council 
Regulation COM(2007) 602, 17.10.07. 

Council Regulation (EC) establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and 
eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing, No 1005/2008, 29.09.08, OJ 
L/286/1. 

Communication and 
Legislative proposal on 
destructive fishing practices; 
2007 

Communication on Destructive fishing practices in the high seas and the protection 
of vulnerable deep sea ecosystems, COM(2007) 604 and Legislative Proposal 
COM(2007) 605, 17.10.07. 

Council Regulation (EC) on the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the 
high seas from the adverse impacts of bottom fishing gears, No 734/2008, 15.07.08, 
OJ L/201/8. 

5.1  European Marine 
and Maritime 
Research 

Communication on Marine 
and Maritime Research 
Strategy; 2008 

A European Strategy for Marine and Maritime Research - A coherent European 
Research Area framework in support of a sustainable use of oceans and seas, 
COM(2008) 534, 03.09.08. 

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Cross-cutting calls for 
proposals for FP7; 2008  

FP7 proposed topics in a number of areas across the work programme to support the 
maritime policy and the European Strategy on Marine and Maritime Research, in 
particular through the Environment, Transport and Food themes. An estimated EC 
contribution of € 424 million has been allocated in 2007 and 2008 to marine and 
maritime-related research projects.  

Examples: 

WP 2008: Topic SST 2008 6.6 "Integration of Marine and Maritime Sciences in 
Waterborne Transport in support to the European Research Area" 

WP 2009: Coordinated call "sustainable use of seas and oceans", featuring in 
particular the topic ENV.2009.2.2.1.3 Support to 'Maritime Partnership' - Support 
to marine and maritime science communities to build on a 'Partnership' approach 
through e.g. the establishment of a Forum. 

WP 2010: Cross-thematic call "The ocean of tomorrow: joining research forces to 
meet challenges in ocean management". 5 Cooperation themes involved, 3 topics, 
EC contribution €34 million.

6.1  Provision of 

information on 
Community 

Database on projects in 
Maritime regions; 2nd 
semester 2008 

Study launched in November 2008 

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projects in coastal 
regions and their 
funding 

Examination of possible 
funding of maritime projects 
in coastal regions and 
islands; 2009 

EP Resolution on the regional development aspects of the impact of tourism on 
coastal regions calls on the Commission, in the context of the next financial 
framework, to examine ways of better coordinating all future financial instruments 
that cover action in coastal regions – INI/2008/2132 

Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on the Maritime and coastal package 
reiterates a simplified system for all maritime issues within a European Coastal and 
Island Fund in the context of the discussions on the next financial framework 2014-
2020 COTER-IV-022 

See http://www.interreg4c.net/faqs.html 

6.2  Europe’s 

Outermost Regions 
and Islands 

Promote the participation of 
islands and outermost 
regions in the Regions for 
Economic Change initiative; 
2008 

6.3 

Action on 
Mitigation and 
Adaptation to 
Climate Change 

(a) Action on risk 
reduction policies 
and their economic 
impacts; coastal 
regions 

(b) Carbon 
Capture and 
Storage 

Community strategy for 
disaster prevention; 2008 

A Community approach on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters, 
COM(2009) 82, 23.02.2009 

Development of Strategy for 
adaptation to Climate 
Change; 2008 

"White Paper: Adapting to climate change: Towards a European framework for 
action", COM(2009)147, 01.04.2009. 

Enabling legal framework 
for CCS; 2007 

Adoption of the Proposal for a Directive of the European parliament and of the 
Council on the geological storage of carbon dioxide, COM(2008) 18, 23.01.08. 

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6.4 

Sustainable 
Maritime Tourism 

Communication on 
sustainable and competitive 
European tourism; 2007 

Assessment of interlinkages 
between the cruise industry, 
marinas, ports, and other 
maritime industries; 2009  

Other relevant actions 

6.5 

Improving Socio-
Economic Data for 
maritime sectors 
and maritime 
regions 

Working document on socio-
economic data leading to the 
development of an integrated 
socio-economic database; 
2009 

7.1  The EU's profile in 

international fora 
and relations with 
partners 

Publishing of a database and 
scoreboard on ratifications 
by Member States 

Assessment of the EU 
situation in international 
maritime organisations  

Introducing maritime affairs 
into the dialogues with third 
countries, including 
developing countries; 2008  

Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism, COM(2007) 621, 
19.10.07. 

Study "Tourist Facilities in Ports" in order to assess the benefits for coastal regions in 
investing in environmentally sustainable facilities in ports. The study includes also 
tool for calculating return of investments in these facilities. 

Management of a network of Aquatic Tourism destinations, under the European 
Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) Preparatory Action 

Statistics in focus 47/2009 Key figures for coastal regions and sea areas, 20.06.2009 

Commission Treaties Office will provide information when requested. 
http://ec.europa.eu/world/agreements/default.home.do 

Study conducted. 

Communication "Developing the international dimension of the Integrated Maritime 
Policy of the European Union" COM(2009) 536 final. 

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7.2 

Inclusion of 
Maritime Policy 
objectives in 
dialogue with third 
countries sharing 
regional seas 

Organisation of a Euromed 
workshop on maritime 
spatial planning; 2008 

Objectives of Maritime 
Policy discussed with 
candidate and potential 
candidate countries and 
partner countries  

Conference on Maritime Policy in the Mediterranean Sea 10.06.08, Piran – Portorož 
(Slovenia) 

An online stakeholder consultation on Integrated Maritime Policy in the 
Mediterranean has been conducted. 

Neighbouring countries 
involved in development of 
EMODNET, improved 
surveillance programs and 
spatial planning 

EMODNET involves partners from third countries in the Black Sea (Ukraine, Russia) 
and cooperates with others through regional organisations in the Baltic Sea and the 
Atlantic Ocean. The Norwegian approach to maritime and coastal planning has been 
included when examining existing approaches to maritime spatial planning in 
Europe. 

A report on Arctic Ocean; 
2008 

Communication on the European Union and the Arctic Region, COM(2008) 763, 
20.11.08. 

7.3  Report on strategic 

issues for the EU 
relating to the 
Arctic Ocean 

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7.4  Action for the 

Protection of the 
High Seas 

A strategy for the protection 
of marine biodiversity; 2009 

Further to Resolution 61/105 of the UN General Assembly on Sustainable Fisheries, 
the Commission adopted a Communication on "destructive fishing practices in the 
High Seas and the protection of vulnerable deep sea ecosystems" and a proposal for a 
Council Regulation aiming at implementing the UNGA recommendations of 
December 2006 – COM(2007) 605, 17.10.07. On 15 July 2008 the Council adopted 
Regulation 734/2008 (see also under 4.10). 

8.1  European 

Maritime Day, 
Annual Report, 
Awards and 
awareness 
campaigns 

Proposals on the organisation 
of the events of Europe's 
Maritime Day and associated 
events; 2007 

8.2  European Atlas of 

the Seas 

European Atlas of the Seas; 
2009 

Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the Communication on a Mid-
term Assessment of Implementing the EC Biodiversity Action Plan – Summary of 
Community level action; SEC(2008) 3042, 16.12.08. 

Proposal for a European 
Maritime Day; 2007 

Joint Tripartite Declaration establishing a "European Maritime Day", SEC(2007) 
1631, 03.12.07. 

European Maritime Day 2008, Brussels.  

European Maritime Day 2009 , Rome. 

European Maritime Day 2010, Gijón – ongoing preparation 

A contract for developing architecture, database and map services has been signed in 
January 2009. Another contract for developing text fiches per sea basin has been 
signed in July 2009. The atlas prototype is currently tested in DIGIT's data centre, as 
well as enriched with more data, maps and functionalities.  

After further enrichment, optimisation of the performances and translation, the atlas 
will be launched between January and April 2010 (with the new MARE website), 
together with a public consultation. In 2010, the atlas will be improved taking into 
account the outcome of the public consultation. 

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Website on all actions related 
to maritime affairs; ongoing. 

See http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/index_en.html 

8.3  Making 

information 
publicly available 
on Commission 
proposals on 
Maritime Affairs 

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Further relevant maritime initiatives 

Marine Strategy Framework Directive - 2008 

Third Maritime Safety Package 

Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a 
framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine 
Strategy Framework Directive) , 17 June 2008 / OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19–40 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/marine/index_en.htm  

On 11 March 2009 the European Parliament adopted the third package of legislative 
measures for maritime safety after the agreement reached in conciliation last December 
and approval by the Council 
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/maritime/safety/third_maritime_safety_package_en.htm  

Revision of Trans-European Transport Networks 
Guidelines (TEN-T)  

Green Paper: TEN-T policy review. Towards a better integrated trans-European transport 
network at the service of the common transport policy, COM(2009) 44, 4.2.2009 

Support action for offshore wind energy and 
other renewable sources of ocean energy  

Communication “Offshore Wind Energy: Action needed to deliver on the Energy Policy 
Objectives for 2020 and beyond”, COM(2008) 768,13.11.2008  

Call For Proposals concerning a Programme to Aid Economic Recovery by granting 
Community Financial Assistance to Projects in the field of energy, 18.05.2009 

Review of the CFP – Green Paper 2009 

Green Paper, COM(2009) 163, 22.04.2009 

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/publications/reform_en.htm  

The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea 
region - 2009 

Communication concerning the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region 
COM(2009) 248 of 10.06.2009 

Communication on the IMP in the 
Mediterranean - 2009 

Adopted on 11 September 2009 (COM(2009) 466 final) 

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