Strategic goals and recommendations for the EU’s maritime transport policy until 2018.

Abstract

EN EN COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 21.1.2009 COM(2009) 8 final COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Strategic goals and recommendations for the EU’s maritime transport policy until 2018 EN 2 EN COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Strategic goals and recommendations for the EU’s maritime transport policy until 2018 1. INTRODUCTION For Europe, shipping has been one of the key stepping stones to economic growth and prosperity throughout its history. Maritime transport services1 are essential in helping the European economy and European companies to compete globally. Moreover, shipping and all related maritime industries are an important source of revenues and jobs in Europe. 80% of world trade is carried by sea whilst short-sea shipping carries 40% of intra-European freight. With more than 400 million sea passengers passing through European ports each year, maritime transport has also a direct impact on the quality of life of citizens, both as tourists and inhabitants of islands and peripheral regions. In recent years, growth in the world economy and international merchandise trade has fuelled demand for maritime transport services. However, at the end of 2008, the impact of the financial crisis on the real economy is also felt in the shipping sector. An appropriate policy approach is needed in order to ensure the continuous performance of the EU maritime transport system and its contribution to the recovery of the world economy. Beyond the current conjuncture, this policy approach should ensure that Europe retains a core human and technological know-how serving the sustainability and competitiveness of current and future shipping operations. The purpose of this Communication is to present the main strategic goals for the European maritime transport system up to 2018 and to identify key areas for action where action by the EU will strengthen the competitiveness of the sector while enhancing its environmental performance. The underlying economic context and the characteristics of shipping market cycles have been taken into account. This communication is set in the broader context of the EU Transport Policy2 (‘Keep Europe moving: a transport policy for sustainable mobility’) and the EU Integrated Maritime Policy3(the ‘Blue Paper’). It also aims at supporting other relevant policies, namely the EU’s energy and environmental policy. It is the result of continuous dialogue with the experts of the Member States, the independent advice of a group of senior shipping professionals and an analytical study examining trends and signals of change in seaborne transport