Press Release: 20 May: European Maritime Day set up by European institutions

The European Union decided to celebrate the achievements and potential of Europe's ocean and seas by declaring 20 May as a dedicated 'European Maritime Day'. The official launch ceremony will be held in Strasbourg, where Commission President José Manuel Barroso, European Council President Janez Janša and the President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering will sign a Joint Tripartite Declaration. European Maritime Day will provide an occasion to highlight the crucial role that oceans and seas play in the everyday life not only of coastal communities, but of all EU citizens, and for Europe's sustainable growth and jobs at large. Based on a proposal from the Commission, this dedicated Maritime Day will also encourage better stewardship of coastal zones, seas and oceans by all citizens and actors concerned.

European Commission: SPEECH/08/243: Building a common vision of the oceans and seas http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/08/243&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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