Temporary defensive mechanism to shipbuilding

The committee adopted the report by Karin RIIS-JØRGENSEN (ELDR, DK) amending the proposal under the consultation procedure. The committee wanted the scope of the regulation to be extended to include other market segments, i.e. gas tankers (LNG and LPG carriers), ferries and ro-ro vessels. It argued that the three segments referred to in the proposal accounted for only 20% of European shipbuilding and that the other shiptypes which it sought to include were also referred to in the complaint lodged with the WTO. The report also pointed out that the gradual closure of European shipyards could lead to excessive dependence on external suppliers in times of crisis and international conflict. Finally, the committee wanted the defence mechanism to run until 31 December 2003 rather than 31 December 2002 as proposed by the Commission, given that the WTO proceedings against South Korea were likely to be protracted. �