Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union:

1
Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union

• A European vision for the oceans and seas

Haitze SiemersMaritime Policy Task Force 21
November 2009
2
Strategic Objectives for the Commission 2005-2009

• need for an all-embracing maritime policy aimed
  at
• developing a thriving maritime economy,
• in an environmentally sustainable manner.
• Such a policy should be
• supported by excellence in
• marine scientific research
• technology and innovation

3
International Trends
the problems of ocean space are closely
inter-related and need to be considered as a
whole
The Preamble to the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea of 1982
Ensuring the sustainable development of the
oceans requires effective coordination and
cooperation
2002 Johannesburg Plan of Implementation of the
World Summit on Sustainable Development
Several countries, including Australia, Canada,
and more recently the USA, have been developing
new integrated ocean policies.
4
Basic Truths
50 of EU population lives less than 50 km from
the sea.
60 of EU tourists chose the coast as holiday
destination.
3-5 of GDP is generated by maritime activities.
5
A Maritime Policy for the EU
How?

• build upon existing EU policies
• strike the right balance between the economic,
  social and environmental dimensions of
  sustainable development.

6
Issues and Coordination
Competitiveness
EmploymentSkills
RTD
ObservationData collection
SafetySecurity
Coordination
MarineResources
ICZM
Marine Environment
7
A Steering Group for Maritime Policy
Maritime Policy Commissioners Steering Group
8
Organisation

MPTF Organisation Analysis Drafting
Report to Council and Parliament
9
Green Paper - Themes

• A thriving maritime economy

• Life in coastal areas

• The tools to manage relations with the oceans

• Maritime governance

• Maritime heritage

10
A thriving maritime economy
European share in maritime sectors
Source Irish Marine Institute
11
Jobs in sea-related sectors
5 million maritime jobs
Source ECOTEC2006
12
Share of employment
Share of employment, excluding coastal tourism
Source ECOTEC2006
13
A thriving Maritime Industry
Assets

• Healthy oceans a clean environment and
  biodiversity

• Exploiting RTD and innovation

• Maritime jobs/working conditions

• Clustering

• A favourable regulatory environment, based on
  stakeholders concerns

14
Life in Coastal Areas

• The attractiveness of coastal areas

• Adapting to coastal risks

• Developing coastal tourism

• Managing the land-sea interface

15
The tools to manage relations with the oceans

• Data at the service of multiple activities

• Spatial Planning

• A favourable regulatory environment, based on
  stakeholders concerns

16
Maritime Governance 1

• Bringing about a change in the way we deal with
  the oceans

• Overcoming excessive specialisation

• Taking account of what exists

• Achieving joined up government

• Listening to stakeholders

17
Maritime Governance 2

• A more holistic approach at EU level?

• Offshore activities of Governments

• The role of the EU in the world

• Working with our neighbours

• Regional aspects

18
Maritime Heritage

• Understanding the importance of Oceans and
  Seas for human life

• Realise the contribution of maritime activities
  to economy and well-being

• Goal
• Ownership and Stewardship
• of Oceans, Seas and Coasts

19
A Policy Combining
20
Consultation
Adoption of Green Paper Start of consultation
End of Consultation
Commission report
07.06.2006
07.06.2007
End 2007
Discussion Stakeholder Events Workshops Web-based
consultation
Input Green Paper Background Promotion material
Output Commission conclusions on the way ahead
21
Our Website http//ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs
22
More information? Input?
Maritime Policy Task Force The European
CommissionDirectorate-General for Fisheries and
Maritime AffairsJ-99 07/12B-1049
BrusselsBelgium ec-maritime-green-paper_at_ec.europa
.eu
23
Thank you for your attention