Progress on the Integrated Maritime Policy Floor van Houdt DG MARE.A.1 Brussels, 18 June
The Integrated Maritime Policy In its strategic objectives for 2005-2009 the Commission declared the particular need for an all-embracing maritime policy aimed a 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 2
Priorities An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union The Blue Paper Maximising the sustainable use of the oceans and seas Building a knowledge and innovation base Delivering the highest quality of life in coastal regions Promoting Europe s leadership in international affairs Raising visibility for Maritime Europe 3
Results so far A firm EU maritime agenda A new approach to maritime governance Cross-cutting tools for comprehensiveness and efficiency 4
Achievements on the Commission maritime agenda Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC (17.06.08) Maritime Research Strategy COM/2008/534 (03.09.08) Offshore Wind Energy Action Plan (13.11.08) A strategy for ship dismantling (19.11.08) Maritime Transport Space without Barriers and Maritime Transport Strategy 2009-2018 (21.01.09) Third Maritime Safety Package (11.03.09) White Paper on Adaptation to Climate Change (01.04.2009) CFP Reform Paper (22.04.09) 5
Maritime Governance Governance for EU policy-making Promoting integrated approaches in Member States Stakeholder dialogue Cooperation at sea basin level and with international partners 6
Organisation at EU level Steering group of Commissioners Member States Friends of the Presidency High-Level Focal Points Group DG MARE Other services dealing with maritime policy Member States Expert Group European Parliament Coordination of Committees 7
Guidelines to Member States Member States to chart their own course, on the basis of some general principles Need for national integrated maritime policies Creation of internal coordination structures Regions and local communities have a role to play Active participation by stakeholders More efficient links at regional sea basin level Most Member States have taken steps towards more integration, in terms of strategy and organisation 8
Dialogue with stakeholders IMP put the oceans, seas and coasts on the agenda: many conferences, events, papers, citizen actions Celebrating European Maritime Day each year on 20 May Platform of maritime stakeholder organisations 9
Sea basin strategies Adapting the IMP to regional challenges and opportunities for specific policy development Organise governance and tools in such a way to provide added value Examples The EU and the Arctic Region The Baltic Sea Strategy Integrated Maritime Policy in the Mediterranean 10
Cross-cutting tools for further integration Maritime Spatial Planning Integrated maritime surveillance Marine knowledge/european Data and Observation network 11
EMODNET The European Marine Observation and Data Network aims to improve Europe's marine data infrastructure Preparatory work started, with support of an expert group, to build a network of marine observation and data in the following areas: geology and hydrography; physics; chemistry; biology; and human activity 12
Towards Maritime Spatial Planning MSP is a process towards maritime spatial plans, mapping where maritime activities take place, while building on the ecosystem approach Roadmap identified 10 key principles for MSP in the EU Using MSP according to area and type of activity Defining objectives to guide MSP Developing MSP in a transparent manner Stakeholder participation Coordination within Member States simplifying decision processes Ensuring the legal effect of national MSP Cross-border cooperation and consultation Incorporating monitoring and evaluation in the planning process Achieving coherence between terrestrial and maritime spatial planning relation with ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) Strong data and knowledge base 13
Improving maritime surveillance Promoting cooperation across sectors and countries to bring together monitoring and tracking systems on maritime safety and security, protection of the marine environment, fisheries control, control of external borders and other law enforcement activities. Pilot projects to test the ground To test the capacity of project partners to exchange surveillance information To determine the extent to which the project partners are potentially able to set up an exchange of information mechanism that is viable and durable in time To identify obstacles that may hinder the exchange information on a longterm basis To identify experience in exchanging the information, best practices and/or legal adjustments To determine how this cooperation has resulted in added value 14
The next steps Implementing the Maritime Action Plan Implementing the cross-cutting tools Regional maritime statistics Database on regional projects A progress report to the European Council (October 2009) Planning the next steps 15
The IMP and future challenges Economic downturn, climate change, energy supply, sustainability Furthering the concept of integrated governance at various levels Advancing sea basin specific approaches Stakeholder dialogue, maritime clusters Innovative ideas for sustainable growth From strategic development to implementation: the role of regions New ideas? 16
Further questions? Internet Contact Florencia.van-Houdt@ec.europa.eu 17
Thank you for your attention! 18