Press Release

Like everywhere else, world digitalization, high-tech equipment and low-carbon solutions are affecting the workplace of the maritime world. Preparing the workforce for such trends is crucial to ensure a competitive European maritime sector. But what will be the profiles needed for the jobs of tomorrow? How can we make sure that people are strongly qualified for the many attractive and high quality jobs European seas have to offer?

After more than a decade of stagnation, EU aquaculture is finally showing signs of recovery. With 4% growth in volume and 8% in value between 2014 and 2015, and profits exceeding 400 million euro, the sector is generating more value than ever before.

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) has recently issued a recommendation regarding a multiannual management plan for turbot in the Black Sea (GFCM/41/2017/4).

A new report by the Arctic Stakeholder Forum, an initiative set up by the EU gathering public authorities and civil society, calls to strengthen EU investments in the world's northernmost region. Most pressing needs identified are digital infrastructure such as broadband coverage, as well as better transport connections.

European tourists, and particularly sailors, boaters and water sports practitioners, are in for a treat. Soon they will be able to choose from a new series of attractive and unique formulas designed to let people discover the continent's tremendous maritime heritage, from marine archaeology to wind, from history to sport, and of course… food!

The first-ever Europe-wide strategy on plastics is a part of the transition towards a more circular economy.

The European Commission has adopted a recommendation that aims at obtaining authorisation from the Council to open negotiations for the conclusion of a new fisheries protocol between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. The current, 4-year protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Kingdom of Morocco will expire on 14 July 2018.

Aujourd'hui la Commission a adopté une recommandation visant à obtenir l'autorisation du Conseil pour négocier un nouveau protocole de pêche entre l'Union Européenne et le Royaume du Maroc. L'actuel protocole relatif à l'accord de pêche, conclu pour une durée de 4 ans, arrivera à échéance le 14 juillet 2018.

Since 1 December, the inspection vessel 'AEGIS I' has been patrolling in the Adriatic Sea as part of a joint deployment plan for the Mediterranean. The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) is collaborating with Greece, Italy and Croatia who will have inspectors on board the vessel.

In parallel with the EMD Conference in Burgas, Bulgaria (31 May – 1 June 2018), a series of local EMD events will be organised all over Europe for the public at large, so that the many European coastal regions and port cities can join in the celebrations and highlight the vital role of the seas and oceans for our life and for the economy.

A new report published today highlights what the five EU funds have achieved since the beginning of the funding period, as the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes has now reached full speed.

EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella will present the Commission's proposals for fishing opportunities for 2018 for the Atlantic, North Sea and Black Sea to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 11-12 December.

The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have reached a political agreement on a multi-annual management plan for demersal fish stocks in the North Sea. This comprehensive plan covers more than 70% of the fishing sector, sets catch limits based on science and brings decision-making closer to the fisherman.

Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, is participating in the first EU-China Blue Industry Cooperation Forum in Shenzhen City, China.

European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, welcomes the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution that sets modalities to negotiate a legally-binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), better known as the high seas.

The European Commission decided today to refer Bulgaria, Finland and Greece to the Court of Justice of the EU for not notifying or partially notifying its measures transposing EU rules establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning (Directive 2014/89/EU). Member States had to transpose the Directive into national law by 18 September 2016.

Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella will lead the EU Delegation at the third meeting of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA). It will focus on the fight against pollution, and take place at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi from 4 - 6 December, bringing together environment ministers, civil society and business from UN Member States.

The European Union, together with partners engaged in Arctic matters (Canada, the People's Republic of China, the Kingdom of Denmark in respect of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Japan, The Republic of Korea, Norway, the Russian Federation and the United States), have succeeded in reaching an international agreement to prevent unregulated commercial fishing in the Arctic high seas. That is, until sufficient scientific information to support the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks in the region is available.

The High Level Group of the Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism has published a new scientific opinion on 'Food from the Oceans'. The advisers were asked to look at how more food and biomass can be obtained from the oceans in a way that does not deprive future generations of their benefits.

The Ministers of Western Mediterranean countries gathered in Naples (Italy), on 30 November 2017, to endorse and launch the Initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the Western Mediterranean – a goal-oriented series of joint actions to make the common sea space safer, cleaner and more productive.