Maritime Policy

BYM Marine and Maritime News reports a speech in Malta by Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg in which he explains the new EU Maritime policy:

A Maritime Policy can ensure that this European leadership in maritime technologies is strengthened, and that all the sea-based energy challenges discussed above are dealt with in a wide policy framework that takes into account the impacts that energy may have on other sectors and vice versa. In delivering a marine and maritime research strategy it will focus research on gaps in our knowledge that can lead to applications of great value to the energy sector in everything from new technologies, improved weather forecasting and impact mitigation.

Increased interaction of stakeholders and authorities should lead to new synergies being discovered, and to the sharing of technologies and best practices. At the same time, improved frameworks for maritime spatial planning, the development of seabed mapping and Integrated Coastal Zone Management will allow for the avoidance or resolution of conflicts with other sectors.

Ladies and Gentlemen, We all agree that the Union should continue in its quest to guarantee secure and stable supplies of energy for Europe. We have in Europe some of the world leaders in energy efficient and energy-intelligent technologies. We must ensure that our policies allow us to make the most of this.

While the consultation period is now formally over, I would like to stress that this is just the beginning of a process that will improve the way that Europeans interact with our seas. It is a process in which stakeholders have already played an enormously important role. I know they will continue to do so.

For this reason, allow me to highlight once again the importance of the guidance provided by the European Parliament and its respective political groups in this process, and the key role they will play in the implementation of the policy after its presentation in October...