The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted a landmark opinion calling for a comprehensive new EU maritime strategy to foster a more competitive, sustainable, and socially responsible shipping industry.
According to the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the opinion, titled “Towards an EU Maritime Strategy: Navigating into the future through coordinated investment policies, legislative initiatives, social dialogue and involving civil society”, was adopted last week during the EESC plenary session. It emphasises the need for clear and transparent rules, a level playing field, and stronger protections for seafarers, marking a significant step forward for the sector.
The EESC’s initiative, led by co-rapporteur Tanja Buzek of the EESC Workers’ Group and German ETF affiliate ver.di, alongside rapporteur Ágnes Cser from Hungary, highlights key priorities for the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) Maritime Transport Section. The opinion underscores the urgency of addressing long-standing challenges in the industry, including illicit activities, the rise of shadow fleets, and increasing geopolitical competition.
A vision for a sustainable European maritime space
The proposed strategy envisions a European maritime space that prioritises economic, environmental, and social sustainability. It calls for an immediate action plan to tackle evolving threats, such as substandard shipping registries and the operations of shadow fleets, which undermine fair competition and safety standards for workers. The EESC stresses that substandard vessels must not be allowed to operate in European waters, ensuring a level playing field for high-performing and leading registries.
Reflagging and strengthening EU tonnage
One key recommendation is to create an enabling environment to encourage the reflagging of EU-controlled tonnage back to EU national flags. This move aims to strengthen the EU’s maritime presence and ensure that European vessels adhere to the highest safety standards, environmental performance, and labour rights.
A new social contract for seafarers
The EESC opinion also highlights the need for a new social contract in the maritime sector. It emphasises the efficient enforcement of existing legislation and the introduction of legally binding initiatives to provide seafarers with social protections on par with those enjoyed by workers ashore. This includes addressing the weaknesses exposed by substandard shipping registries, which often fail to uphold labour rights and safety standards.
The opinion specifically calls for seafarers not to be excluded from several horizontal labour legislation frameworks. It stresses the importance of implementing and enforcing Article 91 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It also seeks greater clarity on the obligations related to the “genuine link” between a vessel and its flag state, holding authorities, shipowners, and flag states accountable.
Quality shipping registries and EU seafarers
The EESC underlines the critical role of quality shipping registries and EU-qualified seafarers in maintaining a high level of European maritime security. It notes the weaknesses exposed by substandard registries of third countries, particularly in shadow fleet operations. It stresses the need for quality jobs and the importance of just transition principles in the sector.
ETF welcomes the initiative
The ETF has welcomed the EESC’s opinion, noting its alignment with the federation’s long-standing advocacy for fair treatment and improved working conditions for seafarers. The inclusion of these key elements in the opinion reflects the collaborative efforts of trade unions and workers’ representatives in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for the maritime industry.
Next steps
The EESC’s opinion sets the stage for further discussions at the EU level, urging policymakers to take decisive action in developing a maritime strategy that addresses both immediate challenges and long-term goals. As the EU moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring that the strategy delivers tangible benefits for the industry, the environment, and the workers who keep global trade afloat.
With this initiative, the EU has an opportunity to lead by example, creating a maritime sector that is not only competitive but also socially just and environmentally responsible. The ETF and its affiliates will continue to advocate for the full implementation of these recommendations, ensuring that the voices of seafarers remain at the heart of the EU’s maritime policy.
