Tag: EU

UN Environment and the European Commission will cooperate through the 2018 Oceans Roadmap 2.0 to address the threats of pollution and marine litter, in line with UN Environment and EC international commitments and the implementation of ocean related Sustainable Development Goals.

During the 20th Summit between the European Union and China, on 16 July, the two parties signed an ocean partnership agreement. EU an China will cooperate to improve  international governance of the oceans in all its aspects, including by combating illegal fishing and promoting a sustainable blue economy.

A new report by ASSONAVE, the association representing the Italian shipbuilding industry, revealed that the cruise sector has had a 'year of gold', as 2017 closed with a level of new high orders: 23 ships of over 10,000 CGT compared to 25 in 2016, for a total of 71,200 LB versus 45,162 LB in 2016.

FEPORT welcomed the report of the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament on the proposed revision of the Combined Transport Directive. FEPORT said that the proposed revision will improve the current text, and will advance terminal development.

The EU Council has prolonged economic sanctions targeting the financial, energy and defence sectors, and the area of dual-use goods of the Russian economy until 31 January 2019. The Council unanimously adopted this decision by written procedure, on 5 July 2018.

ESPO welcomes the proposals by the European Parliament on the review of the Waste Reception Facilities Directive. The proposals are aiming to better protect the marine environment and decrease the administrative burden for stakeholders. The Draft Report will be discussed on July 10.

The development of a maritime spatial plan is a requirement under EU as well as national legislation. In order to prepare an efficient plan, a study called "Maritime Spatial Planning for Blue Growth" provides guidelines and examines different practices and approaches that help EU Member States develop their maritime economies.

As part of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Commission developed a proposal for a Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive. This aims to grant all workers in Europe fair working conditions, and social protection and inclusion. However, Member States excluded seafarers and fishermen from this legislation.

China presses the EU to issue a joint statement against US's trade policies and the recent tariffs, at a Sino-European summit later this month. The EU rejected the proposal idea of allying with China against the US, as it thinks that the Chinese proposal is an attempt to manipulate the of trade and dominate global markets.

The trade war that has emerged between the US, Europe and China increases the uncertainty for the shipping industry, as it negatively affects the free flow of goods. It also leads to changes in the trade lanes and makes it harder for ship operators and owners to position their ships efficiently in the market.