Accidental or deliberate marine pollution: hydrocarbons or harmful substances, community framework for cooperation

The Conciliation Committee reached agreement on a joint text for the Decision in which compromises were reached on all the crucial points, the text finally agreed on being close to Parliament's original amendments. The reference to the OSPAR Convention was included in the text of the Decision, which also now contained a definition of accidental marine pollution and a reference to dumped munitions. Moreover, a definition of harmful substances in line with the similar definition adopted in the Water Framework Directive was added. The other main points were: - cooperation would include the exchange of information on dumped munitions; - the polluter pays principle was recognised and the Member States would have to take it into account in order to provide for compensation for damages; - the nature protection organisations were included in cooperation at local level. The EP delegation felt that Parliament's position at second reading was well reflected in the outcome of the conciliation and therefore recommended that the plenary adopt the joint text at third reading.�