Supported by the European Commission, this Forum brings together national coastguard authorities from EU maritime states and associated Schengen countries to work on issues such as creating a network of coastguard academies and standardising qualifications.

The meeting comes a week after the European Parliament and Council approved a Commission proposal for a European Border and Coast Guard, to improve cooperation between the EU's three maritime agencies: the European Maritime Safety Agency, the European Fisheries Control Agency, and a beefed-up Frontex.

This reinforced cooperation will allow the EU to better support national coastguard authorities in their work.

The ECGFF is a key stakeholder in this debate, bringing together valuable practical coastguard expertise from across the EU. With the European Border and Coast Guard due to begin its activities in mid-October, the Commission and the EU agencies will be looking to build on this hands-on experience when implementing the newly adopted provisions.