European Maritime Safety Agency

The Commission considers that the text of the common position, adopted unanimously by the Council, is acceptable as it respects the key principles of the original proposal. It increases the transparency in the Agency functioning and contributes to a higher involvement of Member States in the Agency, which is in line with its aim. The objectives of the initial Commission's proposal have largely been kept intact or even been strengthened. The Common position also takes largely into account the views of the European Parliament in first reading. In a statement from the Commission attached to the Council's minutes, the Commission maintains its right to re-evaluate in the future the composition of the Administrative Board of the Agency, in the light of the experience gained and the proven efficiency of the Agency functioning. The Commission considers that the location is one of the constitutional elements of its original proposal. Consequently, the Commission reserves its position for making a proposal for the location of the Agency at the appropriate moment. Consequently, the Council and the Commission agree to intensify contacts with third countries in order to agree in due time on the conditions of their association.�