Commission to consult on future maritime policy for the Union – Fishupdate.com
Commission to consult on future maritime policy for the Union Published: 07 March, 2005
THE European Commission is to launch a consultation process on a future maritime policy for the Union in the shape of a Task Force, made up of Commissioners responsible for sea-related policies and chaired by Commissioner Borg. It will prepare a consultation paper on a future maritime policy for the Union.President Barroso stated: “Europe’s past, present and future is anchored in the oceans and the seas. Only if we take good care of them, the oceans and the seas will be able to care for us and future generations. A maritime policy for the EU can help releasing Europe’s tremendous growth potential, while protecting our marine environment. Through responsible management of our common marine resources, the oceans and the seas can remain a source of wealth and pleasure for everyone in Europe years ahead.” “A maritime policy would enable us to identify, co-ordinate and implement sea-related measures in the Union in a way that optimises economic and recreational returns from the sea in a more participative and sustainable manner. I very much look forward to working with my colleagues and public and private stakeholders on this exciting project.” Commissioner Joe Borg, responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs said. The sea is very important to the Union. Twenty Member States have coasts stretching to almost 70,000 km. Almost half of the EU population live less than 50 km from the coast. The EU maritime regions of the 15 Member States already accounted for over 40% of the GNP. Shipbuilding, ports, fisheries and related services industries employ two and a half million people.
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