The programme supports the sustainable use of the seas and oceans
The Council today adopted a regulation establishing an EU programme to further promote the development and the implementation of the EU’s integrated maritime policy (55/11 and 16614/11 ADD1).
The Union’s integrated maritime policy will foster coordinated decision making related to coastal, insular and outermost regions and maritime sectors in the EU.
The programme, which will support the sustainable use of the seas and oceans, and the expansion of scientific knowledge, has the following general objectives:
(a) to foster the development and implementation of integrated governance of maritime and coastal affairs;
(b) to contribute to develop synergies and to support sea or coast-related policies, particularly in the fields of economic development, employment, environmental protection, research, maritime safety, energy and the development of green maritime technologies;
(c) to promote the protection of the marine environment, in particular its biodiversity, and the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, in line with the “marine strategy framework directive” (2008/56/EC);
(d) to support the development and implementation of sea-basin strategies;
(e) to improve and enhance international cooperation;
(f) to support economic growth, employment, innovation and new technologies in maritime sectors in the Union.
The budget for the implementation of the programme in accordance with the relevant European objectives is EUR 40 million for the period 2011 to 2013.
Source: Council of the EU
