It is no denying fact that sea has always played important part in Europe’s prosperity. Europe has 40 percent maritime regions that generates nearly 40 percent of its economy and employ some 5 million people. And for all these reasons EU states have dedicated May 20 as “European Maritime Day”.
It is informed that this year the European Commission in cooperation with the Italian government is organising a 3-day conference in Rome from 18 to 20 May. This important event brings together stakeholders, administrations and other players from the European Union and this time also from a number of third countries, in particular from the Mediterranean region, to discuss the global challenges faced by maritime Europe today.
Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that on 20 May, all EU countries celebrate the annual European Maritime Day in Rome. He added that European citizens are increasingly aware of the importance of EU’s common maritime heritage and future. According to him EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy reflects a clear vision of how to address the challenges of maritime prosperity, sustainability and security and is intimately tied to the fight against climate change and to recovering the economic competitiveness of Europe.
Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, explained that the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy puts maritime sectors and coastal regions, traditionally at the periphery, at the centre of a new, dynamic and inclusive policy for sustainable growth and jobs.
It is told that the Maritime Day stakeholders’ conference in Rome will bring together stakeholders from business and civil society, decision-makers and journalists from across the EU and beyond, to discuss a wide range of policies and practices, such as integrated maritime governance, emerging technologies, energy generation, planning of the maritime space, surveillance systems for the seas, sustainable coastal tourism, the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and others.
