Communication concerning a Maritime Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Seas

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission in November 2012 concerning a Maritime Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Sea.

Further information:

Located centrally in the northern Mediterranean, the Adriatic and the contiguous Ionian Seas constitute an important maritime and marine area in Europe. The prospect of EU accession means that there will be a continuing increase in the free movement of people, goods and services. Climate change and its impacts are posing an increasing threat for coastal areas. Coastal countries still have uneven levels of experience, technical capacity, financial resources and know-how to ensure the sustainable development of their marine and coastal areas.

This Communication assesses the needs and potential of sea-related activities in the Adriatic and Ionian area, and sets out a framework to move towards a coherent maritime strategy and corresponding Action Plan by 2013. Should the EU Member States decide to ask the Commission to prepare an EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region (EUSAIR), this maritime strategy might constitute the first component of such an EU macro-regional strategy covering additional fields.

The strategy will define viable actions and joint initiatives addressing challenges and opportunities with a cross-border dimension that can be solved only by common engagement. It will utilise the existing resources, legislation and structures to foster cross-border partnerships and prioritise objectives around which local, regional and national actors can be mobilized to turn the priorities of the Europe 2020 Strategy into targeted actions.

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source

Official

European Commission: Press realease, 03/12/2012: Maritime Policy: Commission launches new strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Seas http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-1306_en.htm

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