Port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues

The Conciliation Committee reached agreement on a joint text for the directive on port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues. Parliament essentially welcomed the fact that the directive aimed to achieve a major reduction in marine pollution by providing adequate waste reception facilities in all EU ports. The main point of disagreement with the Council was over the system for financing suitable port reception facilities. Parliament wanted up to 90% of the costs to be met by means of a fee levied on all ships calling at a port, irrespective of whether the ship delivered waste or not. However, the Council was against laying down percentages at this stage, arguing that the Member States themselves should be allowed to set the fixed and proportional amounts. Following conciliation the Council accepted that the amount should be "significant" and the Commission issued a declaration, to be annexed to the final act in the Official Journal, stating that this meant no less than 30%.�