Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union: a European vision for the oceans and seas

PURPOSE: to set out a new vision for Integrated Maritime Policyfor the Union: A European Vision for the Oceans and Seas (Green Paper).

BACKGROUND: this Green Paper responds to a growing awareness both of the vital role which the sea already plays as a driver of Europe’s prosperity, and of its potential for providing more jobs and greater well-being. The Green Paper comes from a Commission decision taken in March 2005 to launch a consultation on the future of Europe’s seas. The results of this exercise will help the Commission define a new vision for an Integrated Maritime Policy.

Too often, the sectors which impact on the maritime environment (Transport, shipping, trade, coastal and port-based industries, off-shore, traditional and alternative energies, fisheries, aquaculture, marine research, tourism) operate independently – each has its own structures, embodies its own culture and vision, and is run according to its own rules. Yet they all depend on the same resource.

The main question asked by the Green Paper is: can Europe afford to manage its seas and oceans in a sectoral, unconnected, way? Or has the time come to establish a truly integrated Maritime Policy which will release untapped potential in terms of growth and jobs while strengthening the protection of the marine environment? And if so, how should we go about it?

CONTENT: the Green Paper seeks to highlight the interconnections and interdependence of these different domains – the linkages which are often ignored by existing procedures. It points out how, for example, the development of port infrastructure has to be weighed against the protection of local ecosystems, the promotion of coastal aquaculture and tourism development, as well as on the benefits of economic growth through foreign trade. It shows how fishing vessels, container ships, pleasure boats, oil companies and wind farms, for example, have to jostle for position in our increasingly crowded waters. It also underlines the fact that this convergence of myriad different issues is not the exception, but the norm, for it reflects the underlying wealth and diversity of Europe’s seas.

The Green Paper focuses on the following issues:

- Retaining Europe’s Leadership in Sustainable Maritime Development:  this chapter looks at the economic importance of the maritime economy and its growth prospects and identifies the sources of its competitiveness. It looks at the assets available to it in terms of the marine environment itself, knowledge of the oceans, the creativity of companies and the expertise of those working in the various sectors, and asks how public authorities can help to maximise these assets. It then goes on to look at the interrelationships between economic sectors and at the regulatory framework.

- Maximising Quality of life in Coastal regions: this chapter examines the special role of coastal regions in maritime affairs. It discusses the importance of a healthy marine environment for the quality of life of increasing numbers of citizens. It examines the various threats to the coast and its inhabitants, how to deal with them and how to turn them into opportunities. It looks at the key role of maritime tourism in local economies and how best to ensure its continued health. Finally it addresses how best to manage the complex interrelationships between maritime activities and land-based activities, so that these can mutually reinforce each other.

- Providing the tools to manage our Relations with the Oceans: this chapter examines a number of important tools for enhancing the sustainable management of our relations with the oceans and seas. It looks at the type of data which need to be made available, both on the oceans and seas themselves and on related human activities, and identifies the need for setting up a comprehensive EU network for marine data and to further integrate and develop the existing networks aiming to identify the movements of vessels on EU coastal waters. It calls for spatial planning systems to regulate economic activities in coastal waters, building on the ecosystem-based management approach already proposed in the Thematic Marine Strategy. Finally it discusses the important role which can be played by EC financial support for coastal regions, mainly by the structural funds (ERDF; ESF) and the Cohesion Fund.

- Governance: this chapter spells out in more detail the implications of developing an integrated maritime policy, and sets out some general principles for maritime policy making. It also suggests the type of division of activity which could be envisaged between the EC and the Member States in the implementation of spatial planning. Maritime governance should make use of the experience gained from regional policy in the areas of coordination among sectoral policies, cooperation on examples of good practice and partnership involving stakeholders. Mention is also made of extending the Common EU Maritime Space to additional activities, (including coastal shipping between Member States), as well as of the idea to set up an EU coastguard. The growth of various illegal activities, including trafficking in human beings and terrorism, is identified as one factor which is making the need for better coordination of existing national resources and the common procurement of new ones more urgent. The growing involvement of Member States’ navies in civilian activities is underlined. The chapter argues that maritime policy must possess an external dimension, since the world’s oceans are interconnected and rule-making is often global. Finally, it states clearly that, although a European maritime policy needs a general framework, its implementation will need to take account of the realities and diversities of Europe’s geographical situation.

- Reclaiming Europe’s Maritime Heritage and Reaffirming Europe’s Maritime Identity: this chapter examines how maritime heritage activities can be encouraged, linked to other maritime sectors, and how education can contribute to the growing development of a common vision of the role of the oceans in our lives. It can also lead to a more favourable image for maritime professions and help enhance the performance of maritime sectors.

Lastly, the Commission has made a commitment to listen to interested stakeholders during the consultation period up to the end of June 2007. Before the end of 2007 the Commission will address a Communication to the Council and Parliament summarising the results of the consultation process and proposing the way forward.