Agreement for co-operation in dealing with pollution of the North Sea by oil and other harmful substances (Bonn Agreement): extension of its material and geographical scope of application

The European Parliament adopted by 689 votes to 1, with 2 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the amendments to the Agreement for co-operation in dealing with pollution of the North Sea by oil and other harmful substances (Bonn Agreement) with regard to the extension of the scope of application of that Agreement and on the accession of the Kingdom of Spain to that Agreement.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the amendments to the Agreement.

The Agreement for co-operation in dealing with pollution of the North Sea by oil and other harmful substances (Bonn Agreement) is a regional accord to protect the marine environment and the interests of the coastal States that are Contracting Parties. It focuses on combating pollution in the North Sea as well as on safeguarding coastal areas from maritime disasters and long-lasting pollution caused by ships and offshore installations.

The MARPOL amendment extends the scope of the Agreement to air pollution from ships as regulated by Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention.

The Spain Amendment concerns the geographical extension of the Agreement following the invitation made to Spain to accede to this regional accord.

The Contracting Parties adopted these amendments unanimously at their meeting on 9-11 October 2019.