EUROPE GREENPORT

European Maritime Day sustainability focus

14 years ago

The EU marked European Maritime Day 2012 with events across Member States on 20, 21 and 22 May. The theme this year was ‘Sustainable Growth from Oceans, Seas and Coasts: Blue Growth’.

This year's theme was ‘Sustainable Growth from Oceans, Seas and Coasts: Blue Growth’

Blue growth is the economic pillar of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy – the main aim of which is the creation of growth and new jobs in the European maritime sector through further sustainable development.

European Maritime Day 2012 started on Sunday 20 May with a large maritime festival in Gothenburg.

On Monday 21 May, discussions on current challenges and new opportunities for the European maritime economy took place between key speakers including Ms Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ms Catharina Elmsäter–Svärd, Swedish Minister of Infrastructure, Mr Koji Sekimizu, General Secretary of International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Mr Ole Sohn, Danish Minister for Trade, among others.

Commissioner Maria Damanaki announced that the Commission is preparing a communication on blue growth and that a ministerial conference will be held on the issue.

On the same day, Gothenburg also hosted the signing of the European Social Partners’ Agreement on the ILO Convention 188 concerning work in the fishing sector. Commissioner Damanaki was present at the signing of the agreement by Europêche/Cogeca and the European Transport Workers Federation.

On 22 May a Stakeholders’ Day was held where a wide range of policy initiatives were on showcase.

The next European Maritime Day will be held in Valetta, Malta in 2013 and in Bremen, Germany in 2014.