Ship recycling
The Council held a policy debate on the proposal for a regulation on ship recycling.
On the basis of a set of questions prepared by the Presidency, ministers were asked to discuss in particular
- the effectiveness and enforceability of the proposed regulation, and its relation to the competitiveness of EU flags;
- the possibility to introduce or not requirements above and beyond the Hong Kong Convention and
- the detailed provisions on penalties, access to justice and enforcement contained in the proposal.
Many ministers generally welcomed the proposed regulation as a tool to promote the timely implementation of the Hong Kong Convention. Some of them, however, expressed serious concerns as to the appropriateness of regional measures in the current situation, where the Convention is not yet in force, and the possible consequences for the European fleet. Additionally, it was underlined that work has to continue on legally sound and enforceable solutions for some of the thorny issues raised in this complex proposal.
In relation to the second question, most ministers emphasized the need for the draft regulation to be consistent with the Hong Kong Convention and in particular for clear rules on the future review of the Regulation, once the Convention enters into force.
Lastly, many ministers pointed out that they consider it inappropriate to include specific provisions on access to justice in the draft regulation as these are already covered by existing EU legislation or to specify measures on penalties, which are best left to Member States.
The Commission noted the different views expressed and the Presidency indicated that it will prepare a progress report on this matter.