European Maritime Safety Agency

The committee adopted the report by Emmanouil MASTORAKIS (PES, GR) broadly approving the proposal subject to a number of amendments (codecision procedure, 1st reading). It felt the creation of such an Agency should be welcomed, but questioned whether it was necessary to create a new Community bureaucracy. The proposed Agency's dependence on the Commission was considered a serious problem, with questions being asked about the appointment of the director of the Administrative Board, the composition of the Board and the inclusion on the Board of four industry representatives. Amendments were adopted to bring this in line with more democratic principles, thus reducing the influence of the Commission. The committee also adopted an amendment regarding the location of the Agency, saying account should be taken of the shipping tradition and the general shipping infrastructure of the candidates and their proximity to the sea.�