REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Progress of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy
Date: 2012-09-11
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European cooperation, common fisheries policy, economic growth, energy supply, innovation, job access, marine ecosystem, shipbuilding, shipping policy, sustainable development, water protection

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Brussels, 11.9.2012  
COM(2012) 491 final 

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

Progress of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy 

{SWD(2012) 255 final} 

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

Progress of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

Europe’s  seas  and  oceans  are  a  rich  and  often  underestimated  source  of  innovation,  growth 
and  employment.  They  provide  valuable  ecosystem  services  and  resources  on  which  all 
marine activities depend. Since its creation in 2007, the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) has 
sought  to  enhance  the  sustainable  development  of  the  European  maritime  economy  and  to 
better protect the marine environment by facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players 
across sectors and borders. 

Five years later, the economic climate has radically changed. With the Europe 2020 strategy, 
the  EU  is  seeking  to  get  the  European  economy  back  on  track  to  deliver  employment, 
competitiveness and social cohesion. The potential for growth in the maritime economy is an 
opportunity  that  Europe,  as  a  maritime  continent,  needs  to  seize.  Since  2009,  the  EU  has 
launched key initiatives in all policy areas related to the seas in order to strengthen Europe’s 
competitiveness.  By  avoiding  duplication  of  spending  and  efforts,  and  encouraging  the 
sustainable development of maritime activities, the IMP has brought concrete benefits to the 
European economy and maritime sectors in Member States. 

Europe is going through cuts in public spending, so delivering maximum results with limited 
means is crucial. Cooperation makes operations at sea more cost-efficient and optimise data 
usage. As new uses of the sea are being developed daily, it is crucial that Member States put 
in place stable planning systems favouring long-term investment and cross-border coherence.  

Investment  in  research  must  deliver  fully  its  potential  for  innovation  in  the  maritime 
economy.  The  EU  strategy  for  marine  and  maritime  research  has  helped  achieve  this 
objective.  With  the  Marine  Strategy  Framework  Directive,  we  can  manage  our  seas  and 
oceans sustainably. Sustainability is a pre-condition to developing the maritime economy and 
is driving advanced technologies that strengthen Europe’s long-term competitiveness. 

In 2009, the Council and European Parliament welcomed the first Progress Report on the IMP 
and  asked  the  Commission  to  present  further  developments  in  2012.  This  second  Report 
describes  the  progress  of  the  EU’s  IMP  and  maritime  sectoral  policies  between  2010  and 
20121. It highlights their contribution to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking 
stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save 
public money. 

2. 

THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE MARITIME ECONOMY TO GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT 

2.1. 

Blue Growth 

In  September  2012,  the  Commission  adopted  a  Communication  on  Blue  Growth, 
opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. The objective is to launch a joint 
initiative with Member States, regions, and all relevant stakeholders to unlock the potential of 
the blue economy. 

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Details and references for every initiative mentioned in the Report can be found in the accompanying 
document SWD(2012) 255 final. 

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A study launched by the Commission in 2010 has identified as common bottlenecks the lack 
of appropriate skills, access to risk capital, fragmented marine data, environmental challenges 
and difficult planning processes. Actions are underway in Member States to remedy the skills 
shortage  —  for  example  through  encouraging  clusters  of  industry  and  education.  Integrated 
maritime  policy  initiatives  are  addressing  the  data  and  planning  issues.  However,  certain 
sectors  require  a  more  targeted  approach.  Accordingly,  five  areas  with  growth  potential  — 
maritime  and  coastal 
tourism,  ocean  renewable  energy,  marine  mineral  resources, 
aquaculture,  and  blue  biotechnology  —  have  been  analysed  in  more  depth  to  suggest 
additional measures needed to increase growth and jobs. 

2.2.  Maritime transport 

Maritime transport services  are essential for the European economy to compete  globally. In 
2011,  the  Commission  adopted  a  White  Paper  for  Transport.  It  further  specifies  the 
orientations of the Maritime Transport Strategy until 2018: the ability to provide cost-efficient 
maritime transport services; the long-term competitiveness of the EU shipping sector; and the 
creation of seamless transport chains for passengers and cargo across transport modes. 

Following  the  2009  Communication  on  a  European  maritime  transport  space  without 
barriers,  the  Directive  on  reporting  formalities  entered  into  force  in  2010.  This  initiative 
simplifies  and  harmonises  administrative  procedures  so  as  to  boost  intra-EU  maritime 
transport. 

In 2011, the Commission proposed new guidelines for Trans-European Networks to broaden 
the role of the Motorways of the Sea as main European corridors. Through multi-annual calls, 
the Commission is leading the way in reducing the environmental impact of transport and in 
increasing transport efficiency. 

2.3. 

Energy 

European citizens, industry and economy depend on safe, secure, sustainable and affordable 
energy.  Offshore  wind  energy  contributes  to  reach  a  20 %  share  of  energy  from  renewable 
sources by 2020.It is a priority of the EU’s Strategic Energy Technology Plan, through which 
industry,  Member  States  and  the  Commission  work  on  a  long-term  approach  to  technology 
development  and  demonstration.  The  Research  Framework  Programme  and  the  Intelligent 
Energy programme further support the development of wind and oceans energy technology, 
which contributes significantly to growth in coastal regions. 

In  2011,  the  Commission  proposed  guidelines  to  lay  down  rules  for  the  development  and 
interoperability  of  trans-European  energy  networks.  Priority  corridors  were  identified, 
including the North Sea Offshore Grid and the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan. 

2.4. 

Shipbuilding 

European maritime industry with its strong innovation and design capacity has a strategic role 
to play in addressing challenges such as climate change, air pollution, energy efficiency and 
development of offshore activities. As a strategic response to the challenges in the sector the 
initiative  LeaderSHIP  fosters  competitiveness  based  on  EU  technological  leadership 
segments. The initiative is currently under review to address future opportunities by greening 
of shipping and a diversification into new business areas such as off-shore wind energy. 

The Framework on State Aid to Shipbuilding determines which types of state aid are allowed 
for shipyards. A new Framework was adopted in December 2011 and will be valid until the 
end of 2013. It contains specific provisions in relation to innovation aid and regional aid for 
shipbuilding,  as  well  as  provisions  on  exports  credits.  Its  extended  scope  now  applies  to 
inland waterway vessels and floating and moving offshore structures.  

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2.5. 

Fisheries and aquaculture 

EU fisheries are affected by several interconnected problems. Fish stocks are overfished, the 
economic  situation  of  parts  of  the  fleet  is  fragile,  despite  high  levels  of  subsidies,  jobs  are 
unattractive,  and  the  situation  of  many  coastal  communities  depending  on  fisheries  is 
precarious. 

In  July  2011,  the  Commission  adopted  a  package  of  initiatives,  including  new  legislative 
proposals, to reform the Common Fisheries Policy. It aims to provide the building blocks for 
sustainable fisheries while respecting the ecosystem as well as ensuring quality food supplies, 
thriving  coastal  communities,  profitable  industries,  and  attractive  and  safer  jobs.  Long-term 
management with clear sustainability targets for the exploitation of resources and the stopping 
of  wasteful  practices  are  at  the  heart  of  the  proposals.  Support  will  also  be  given  for 
improving data to underpin policy choices and to ensure better enforcement and control. 

The transition will be accompanied by a European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to improve 
sustainability, the performance of small-scale coastal fisheries, promote aquaculture, support 
job creation in maritime communities and deliver cost-efficiency in maritime affairs. 

3. 

COOPERATION  ACROSS  SECTORS  AND  BORDERS  TO  ENSURE  OPTIMUM  GROWTH 
CONDITIONS FOR THE MARITIME ECONOMY 

The  IMP  sets  out  a  coherent  strategy  to  enhance  the  sustainable  development  of  maritime 
sectors. Coordination is necessary to manage the increasing impact of maritime activities on 
each other and on the environment, to ensure the safety and security of European citizens and 
to maintain a qualified workforce. 

3.1.  Maximising the sustainable deployment of activities on coasts and at sea 

Sectors  compete  for  space  and  resources  across  sea  basins.  Conflicts  between  sea  uses  and 
demands  for  sea  space  will  continue  to  increase,  in  particular  due  to  emerging  offshore 
activities.  As  Europe  is  going  through  a  severe  economic  crisis,  we  need  tools  that  enable 
growth  by  facilitating  the  coexistence  of  multiple  activities,  while  reducing  environmental 
impacts. 

Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) ensure 
the  efficient  cross-sectoral  and  cross-border  planning  of  marine  waters  and  management  of 
costal zones. They are crucial to guaranteeing sustainability, providing legal predictability and 
reducing costs for investors and operators, in particular those operating in cross-border areas. 

Advances in delivering national ICZM strategies have been made, but reports received from 
16  EU  Member  States  in  2011  show  large  variations.  In  2011,  the  ICZM  Protocol  to  the 
Barcelona  Convention  entered  into  force,  making  ICZM  compulsory  for  coastal  Member 
States in the Mediterranean. 

The Commission acts as a facilitator for the development of a common framework for MSP 
within the EU, and has announced a legislative proposal on MSP and ICZM before the end of 
2012. Studies on the economic benefits and impact of of MSP and ICZM, two pilot projects 
on  cross-border  cooperation  and  the  Ourcoast  platform  on  best  practices  for  ICZM  have 
contributed to the proposal. 

3.2. 

Protecting  European  citizens  and  maritime  industries  against  sea-related 
threats 

The  EU  carries  about  80 %  of  its  foreign  trade  by  sea.  The  growth  of  maritime  economic 
activities  needs  a  safe  and  secure  environment.  Following  the  Roadmap  process  adopted  in 

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2010,  the  Commission  is  working  towards  a  Common  Information  Sharing  Environment 
(CISE) for the EU’s maritime domain. It will improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of 
maritime surveillance by enabling appropriate, lawful, secure and efficient data sharing across 
sectors and borders throughout the EU. 

The  success  of  two  pilot  projects,  MARSUNO  and  BluemassMed,  feeds  into  this  work. 
Establishing CISE is a first step towards enhanced data exchange between about 400 sectoral 
authorities  throughout  the  EU.  It  is  also  a  first  step  towards  achieving  better  coordination 
between sectoral activities related to maritime transport, the protection of commercial vessels, 
defence  tasks  provided  by  navies,  control  of  illegal  immigration  and  customs  control, 
prevention of illegal fisheries and pollution, and preservation of the marine environment. 

Since 2009, the EU and its Member States have been at the forefront in improving maritime 
safety. The aim is to eliminate substandard shipping, increase the protection of passengers and 
crews, prevent accidents and reduce the risk of environmental pollution. The implementation 
of the 2009 Third Maritime Safety Package improves the quality of European flags, the work 
undertaken  by  classification  societies,  the  inspection  of  vessels  in  ports,  traffic  monitoring, 
accident investigation, and victim protection. 

Securing  Europe’s  maritime  borders  is  a  challenge  for  Member  States.  In  2011,  the 
Commission  proposed  to  establish  the  European  Border  Surveillance  System.  The  aim  is  to 
reinforce control of the Schengen external borders and establish a mechanism for information 
exchange  that  allows  Member  States’  border  surveillance  authorities  to  reduce  the  loss  of 
lives at sea and the number of irregular immigrants entering the EU. 

3.3.  Maritime employment and career mobility 

Many  maritime  industries  are  lacking  people  with  the  right  qualifications,  skills  and 
experience. Actions have been launched to build attractive maritime careers based on mobility 
between sectors and countries, and anticipation of future needs. 

Following  adoption  of  the  Maritime  Transport  Strategy  2018,  a  Task  force  on  Maritime 
Employment  and  Competitiveness  delivered  recommendations  in  June  2011,  including 
completing the review of the exclusion of seagoing workers from the scope of EU labour law, 
updating the Directive on the training of seafarers, and ensuring implementation of the ILO 
Maritime Labour Convention. 

On 21 May 2012, the EU social dialogue committee adopted an agreement which implements 
parts  of  the  ILO  Convention  188  on  work  in  fishing  in  order  to  improve  the  working 
conditions  of  fishermen  on  board.  At  the  common  request  of  EU  social  partners,  this 
agreement can be proposed by the Commission to be implemented through an EU Directive in 
accordance with Article 155 TFEU. The full compatibility of the agreement with existing EU 
law would be primarily assessed. 
From  2007  to  2010,  the  7th Research  Framework  Programme  (FP7)  has  financially 
contributed  to  approximately  €  1.4  billion  to  marine  and  maritime  research  related  actions, 
about 6.4 % of FP7. Of this amount, € 89 million has been spent on the mobility and training 
of researchers. 

These initiatives contribute fully to the Agenda for new skills and jobs and Youth on the move, 
two flagships of the Europe 2020 Strategy to raise employment rates and increase the quality 
of education in the EU. 

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4. 

RESEARCH, KNOWLEDGE AND END-USERS: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH 
AND INDUSTRY 

The European maritime industry is characterised by innovation and high-quality markets. The 
Commission  is  strengthening  this  competitive  edge  by  developing  an  ambitious  marine 
research programme and making marine data more accessible for innovation. 

4.1. 

Ensuring European maritime leadership through innovation and research 

The  EU  Strategy  for  marine  and  maritime  research  has  been  implemented  since  the  end  of 
2008  by  the  Commission  to  maximise  the  value  of  the  maritime  economy  in  a  sustainable 
manner. 

The EU financial contribution to marine related-research and innovation has amounted to €1.4 
billion  through  644  projects  over  2007-2010.  Three  joint  calls  of  FP7,  under  the  Ocean  of 
Tomorrow  label,  have  supported  multidisciplinary  marine  and  maritime  projects  for  a  total 
EU  contribution  of  €134  million.  This  effort  was  complemented  with  the  launch  of 
coordinated  topics  in  2012  in  order  to  support  the  implementation  of  the  Marine  Strategy 
Framework Directive, for a total EU contribution of €42 million. 

Improved  governance  mechanisms  such  as  the  MARCOM+  forum,  and  the  EMAR2RES 
partnership  also  contribute  to  more  coherent  research  by  improving  interaction  between 
researcher, industries and policy-maker. 

The  European  Commission’s  Joint  Research  Centre  (JRC)  has  provided  independent, 
evidence-based scientific advice to support the development of EU policies such as fisheries, 
environment and maritime safety and security. 

4.2. 

Sharing  marine  knowledge  to  facilitate  innovation,  investment  and  sound 
policy-making 

Better  knowledge  is  crucial  for  sustainable  growth  and  to  achieve  healthy  and  productive 
oceans. The present fragmented nature of marine data is a drain on the resources of users of 
these data who need fast access to multiple data sets. The European Marine Observation and 
Data  Network  (EMODnet)  improves  access  to  data  and  reduces  costs  to  users,  stimulates 
innovation  and  reduces  uncertainty  about  the  nature  of  our  seas.  Marine  Knowledge  2020 
aims to provide a comprehensive framework to streamline the flow of data from initial local 
observation through to interpretation, processing and Europe-wide dissemination. 

The Commission and over 50 organisations are working towards a seamless multi-resolution 
digital  seabed  map  of  European  waters,  to  be  available  to  industry,  researchers  and  public 
authorities  by  2020.  ‘Thematic  assembly  groups’  on  hydrography,  geology,  chemistry, 
biology  and  habitats  have  already  led  to  a  better  understanding  of  the  data  policies  of  data 
holders  within  the  EU.  Four  of  the  five  groups  have  made  available  via  free  of  charge  web 
portals, some previously hard-to-access data. 

Extensive details are presented in the interim evaluation of EMODNet, which was adopted by 
the Commission in August 2012, together with a Green Paper: Marine Knowledge 2020-from 
sea bed mapping to ocean forecasting. 

5. 

THE TERRITORIAL BENEFITS OF MARITIME POLICY 

Coastal  regions  have  key  renewable  resources  for  maritime  growth,  including  hydro,  wave, 
wind,  tidal  and  biomass  energy.  Coastal  tourism  depends  on  attractive  and  healthy  marine 
environments.  As  social  exclusion  can  be  particularly  acute  in  coastal  areas  and  islands, 
developing an inclusive maritime economy is essential. 

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5.1. 

Regional policy 

Europe  is  both  a  territorial  and  maritime  entity.  For  maritime  sectors  to  support  growth  on 
land, connectivity must be increased. The 2011 Communication Regional Policy contributing 
to smart growth in Europe 2020 called for national and regional governments to set up Smart 
Specialisation Platforms on research, regional, enterprise, innovation and education policies. 
This  approach  can  better  coordinate  programming  aimed  at  the  development  of  coastal 
regions and their economies. 

A further step is the proposal for Common Provisions and a Common Strategic Framework to 
link  investment  priorities  under  cohesion,  rural  development,  fisheries  and  maritime  policy 
between 2014 and 2020. 

Numerous  maritime  projects  have  been  supported  through  the  EU  regional  policy  funds. 
Examples include desalination units or offshore infrastructure projects for the demonstration 
of  wave  energy  generation.  Several  EU  Cross-Border  Cooperation  Programmes  have  also 
promoted  maritime  growth,  including  projects  looking  into  algae  as  a  potential  source  of 
biofuel and best practices in climate change adaptation in coastal regions. 

5.2. 

Sea basin strategies 

Transnational cooperation at sea basin level is an efficient approach to the development of the 
maritime economy and to the protection of the marine environment. Sea basin strategies cater 
for  the  economic  characteristics  of  Europe’s  basins,  while  allowing  better  use  of  public 
money.  By  aligning  existing  European  and  national  funds  on  agreed  growth  priorities,  they 
act as economic drivers in maritime regions. 

The EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region has yielded more than 80 flagship projects whose 
detailed  impact  is  described  in  the  Progress  Report  adopted  in  June  2011.  The  Strategy 
includes measures to reduce pollution from vessels, develop sustainable short-sea shipping, to 
tackle eutrophication, create new clusters for innovative SMEs, support research and integrate 
maritime surveillance systems. 

A Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic was adopted in November 2011 to boost job creation and 
growth  in  the  Atlantic  area  by  enhancing  its  maritime  potential.  An  Atlantic  Forum  is 
identifying  priority  actions  through  an  Action  Plan  to  be  adopted  in  2013.  It  will  allow  the 
strategic use of EU structural funding to support maritime growth for the period 2014-2020. 

A Communication for better maritime governance in the Mediterranean was adopted in 2009 
to  improve  governance  of  maritime  affairs  and  environmental  protection.  Regions  and 
Member States have re-directed some 2007-2013 funding for European territorial cooperation 
to  maritime  objectives.  Technical  assistance  to  support  growth  from  the  sea  and  improve 
maritime policy-making in non-EU partner countries is now being provided through the IMP-
MED project under the European Neighbourhood Policy. 

Italy,  Slovenia,  Greece  and  Croatia  are  engaged  in  deeper  maritime  cooperation  at  sub-
regional level in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. A maritime strategy is under development to 
define priority areas for growth and to streamline EU funding accordingly. 

Cooperation  around  the  Black  Sea  is  likewise  moving  ahead,  following  a  high-level 
brainstorming event organised with Bulgaria and Romania in October 2011. 

In  June  2012,  the  Commission  and  the  EU  High  Representative  for  Foreign  Affairs  and 
Security  Policy  adopted  a  Communication  proposing  28  action  points  for  the  EU’s 
constructive engagement in the Arctic. It supports effective stewardship of the Arctic based on 
knowledge,  responsibility  and  engagement  to  meet  its  increasing  strategic,  economic  and 
environmental challenges. 

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6. 

PROTECTING MARINE ECOSYSTEMS — A CONDITION AND FACTOR FOR GROWTH 

The  EU  has  the  largest  maritime  territory  in  the  world.  Ensuring  the  health  of  marine 
ecosystems is necessary for the future of ocean biodiversity and to sustain maritime growth. 
As European maritime companies are frequently top performers in innovative environmental 
technology, environmental legislation also supports our economic development. 

6.1. 

The challenge of healthy marine ecosystems 

The  2008  Marine  Strategy  Framework  Directive  is  ţhe  environment  pillar  of  the  IMP.  Its 
overarching  aim  is  to  achieve  good  environmental  status  (GES)  for  EU  marine  waters  by 
2020. 

A  number  of  milestones  have  been  completed  in  order  to  reach  this  aim.  In  2010,  the 
Commission adopted a Decision on criteria and methodological standards for the assessment 
of  GES,  which  will  be  used  by  Member  States  in  developing  monitoring  programmes  and 
cost-effective  measures  to  ensure  the  good  environmental  status  of  their  marine  waters.In 
2011, the Commission also clarified the relationship between the initial assessment of marine 
waters and the criteria for good environmental status. 

Significant progress has been achieved in the establishment of the Natura 2000 network, but 
gaps  still  exist,  especially  offshore.  In  2011  the  Commission  adopted  Guidelines  on  the 
Implementation  of  the  Birds  and  Habitats  Directives  in  Estuaries  and  Coastal  Zones  with 
particular  attention  to  port  development  and  dredging.  The  Commission’s  LIFE+  financial 
instrument contributes to managing the Natura 2000 Network in the marine environment by 
promoting innovative protection measures and capacity building. 

6.2. 

Adaptation to and mitigation of climate change 

Climate  change  can  have  dramatic  consequences  for  coastal  regions,  including  threats  to 
coastal  defences,  erosion,  flooding  and  rising  sea  levels,  and  can  have  higher  impacts  in 
combination  with  other  pressures  on  the  marine  environment.  In  March  2012,  the 
Commission  launched  the  European  Climate  Adaptation  Platform,  the  most  comprehensive 
website  for  information  on  climate  change  impacts  and  vulnerabilities  in  Europe.  It  aims  to 
support policy-makers in the development of climate change adaptation measures, including 
in coastal areas. 

6.3. 

Addressing air pollution form ships 

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from  international maritime transport currently represent 
around 3 % of global GHG emissions. This is likely to grow due to increasing world trade and 
demand  for  shipping.  In  2011,  the  Commission  set  out  the  goal  of  reducing  the  EU’s  GHG 
emissions  from  maritime  transport  by  40 %  by  2050.  Cooperation  projects  to  monitor  GHG 
emissions  from  ships  in  Europe  have  been  launched  by  the  European  Maritime  Safety 
Agency,  the  European  Environmental  Agency,  the  Finnish  Meteorological  Institute  and  the 
International Maritime Organisation. 

In 2011 the Commission also adopted a proposal for an amendment of Directive 1999/32/EC 
to  reduce  significantly  shipping  emissions  of  sulphur  and  contribute  to  reduce  air  quality 
problems in the EU which affect human health and acidification. 

7. 

BETTER MANAGEMENT OF MARITIME AFFAIRS 

Good  management  and  coordination  within  and  among  Member  States,  coastal  regions, 
industries  and  stakeholders  is  essential  to  develop  the  maritime  economy  as  efficiently  and 

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sustainably  as  possible.  A  flow  of  information,  data  and  best  practices  can  accelerate 
investment and innovation while contribute to better environmental protection.  

7.1. 

Developments in Member States 

Member States are increasingly applying coordinated approaches for the development of their 
maritime  economy,  through  national  strategies,  such  as  in  France,  Portugal  or  Germany,  or 
through specific initiatives, such as the UK Marine Bill, the Danish Maritime Strategy or the 
Irish science strategy. In 2011, Germany also adopted a plan to boost its maritime economy. 

A  number  of  Member  States  have  set  up  inter-ministerial  coordination  or  established 
ministerial posts, such as Cyprus, France, the Netherlands or Poland. Maritime regions such 
as  Schleswig-Holstein,  Västra  Götaland  and  Brittany  have  further  developed  their  regional 
maritime strategies since 2009. 

In 2010, 17 member states and associated countries launched the Joint Programming Initiative 
Healthy  and  Productive  Seas  and  Oceans  to  promote  synergies  between  research  resources 
and capacities. 

7.2. 

Developments at EU level 

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the IMP in October 2010, which confirmed 
the  validity  of  the  integrated  approach  to  maritime  affairs  and  invited  the  Commission  to 
develop a maritime dimension to the Europe 2020 Strategy. 

In  December  2011,  the  European  Parliament  and  Council  Regulation  establishing  a 
Programme to support the further development of an EU Integrated Maritime Policy entered 
into  force.  It  provides  the  IMP  with  its  first  operational  programme  for  2012-2013,  whose 
detailed implementation is described in point 6.2.5 of the accompanying SEC document. The 
multiple legal bases of the Regulation acknowledge the horizontal approach of the IMP. 

The General Affairs Council adopted cross-policy Conclusions on the IMP under the Swedish 
(November  2009),  Spanish  (June  2010)  and  Polish  (December  2011)  Presidencies.  They 
provide  an  overview  of  recent  developments,  expressing  endorsement  of  ongoing  initiatives 
and giving an impetus for future development. 

In  January  2011,  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  adopted  an  Opinion  that  stressed  the 
importance  of  guaranteeing  the  success  of  the  IMP  for  environmental,  economic  and  social 
reasons. The European Economic  and  Social  Committee adopted  an Opinion  on  the IMP in 
February 2011 supporting cross-sectoral and cross-border synergies for maritime activities. 

7.3. 

Developments at international level 

In  line  with  the  2009  Communication  on  the  international  dimension  of  the  IMP,  the 
Commission has strengthened its efforts in the international maritime arena. 

At global level, the EU has pushed for more ambition in the Resolutions on Oceans and the 
Law  of  the  Sea  and  on  Sustainable  Fisheries,  promoting  global  membership  of  maritime 
governance instruments such as UNCLOS. A particular success is the launching of a process 
at  UN  level  which  should  ultimately  lead  to  the  negotiation  of  an  UNCLOS  implementing 
agreement  for  the  conservation  and  sustainable  use  of  marine  biodiversity  in  areas  beyond 
national jurisdiction. The EU also pushed for progress  in the protection of  oceans and seas, 
and in maritime governance at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio in June 
2012.  Bolder  external  action  is  yielding  success,  with  stronger  performance  by  Regional 
Fisheries  Management  Organisations  and  increasing  cooperation  with  third  countries  in  the 
fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. 

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Maritime affairs have become a regular topic in discussions with the EU’s partners, such as 
China, Russia, Japan, Canada and the US. The scope of sectoral dialogues has been gradually 
expanding to embrace more overarching cooperation on global maritime affairs. 

7.4. 

Awareness and visibility of maritime Europe 

A first aim of the IMP was to raise the visibility of Europe’s maritime identity and economic 
potential  among  Europeans.  Public  awareness  is  essential  in  areas  where  maritime  interests 
compete with other sectors for political support or investment or on the labour market. 

Since the launch of the Integrated Maritime Policy, Eurostat has been involved in producing 
statistical  information  to  support  the  policy  so  as  to  improve  economic  data  on  maritime 
sectors  and  maritime  regions.  Maritime  initiatives  have  been  included  in  Eurostat  work 
programmes.  Since  2009,  statistics  have  been  regularly  published  for  coastal  regions  and 
maritime sectors. 

Interactive  tools  like  the  Maritime  Forum  or  the  Atlas  of  the  Sea  facilitate  access  to  sea-
related  information  and  help  increase  knowledge  of  maritime  Europe.  European  Maritime 
Day on 20 May is a key event in raising awareness of the potential of maritime Europe. 

8. 

CONCLUSION 

The Integrated Maritime Policy was created to reaffirm the maritime dimension of European 
Union.  It  has  grown  from  this  vision  into  a  tool  delivering  concrete  benefits  for  maritime 
growth  and  sustainability  in  Europe.  As  shown  in  this  Report,  the  strong  contribution  of 
maritime  sectors  to  Europe’s  economy  and  the  objectives  of  the  Europe  2020  strategy  is 
reinforced  by  coordinated  action  to  lower  costs,  improve  resource  efficiency,  reduce  risks, 
support innovation and make better use of public money. 

The Commission is setting the best possible conditions for sustainable economic development 
to come from the sea. Building on those achievements, Blue Growth is the objective for the 
coming  years.  During  Cyprus’s  Council  Presidency,  an  informal  Ministerial  Conference  on 
IMP will be a major stepping stone towards this goal. Blue Growth will drive a second phase 
of  the  Integrated  Maritime  Policy  to  achieve  a  healthy  maritime  economy  that  delivers 
innovation, growth and sustainability for European citizens. 

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