Maritime transport: enhancing port security

Pending the European Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Directive enhancing port security,

the Council agreed on a general approach on the file at this stage. It will be up to the incoming

Presidency to establish contact with the new European Parliament with the aim of reaching an

agreement at first reading in the codecision procedure.

The Ministerial discussion was based on a Presidency compromise text reflecting the March 2004

European Council which voiced concerns in its Declaration on Terrorism after the tragic events in

Madrid on 11 March 2004 and called in particular " for the strengthening of the security in all forms

of transport systems, including through the enhancement of the legal framework and the

improvement of prevention mechanisms".

The compromise text agreed upon by the Council also concerns controls prior to embarkation on

board of roll-on roll-off ferries (Article 7, paragraph 3) on the basis of the modified Commission's proposal.

Moreover, with regard to the proper implementation of the Directive, it has been unanimously

agreed that it is up to the Member States to set up a system ensuring adequate and regular

supervision of the port security plans and their implementation (Article 14.1). The Commission,

preferring Community controls in this matter, maintains a reservation on this point.