European Coast Guard Function Forum meets in London

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.