Press Release: Maritime Safety: European Commission proposes a second package of measures to avoid a new Erika disaster

Following on from the legislative proposals put forward in March after the sinking of the oil tanker Erika, the European Commission today adopted a second package of measures which provides for the establishment of a maritime traffic control and information system, an oil pollution compensation fund, and a European Maritime Safety Agency. According to Loyola de Palacio, Vice-President in charge of transport and energy, 'adoption of these measures by the Community will make it possible to build a genuine European maritime safety area and ensure an optimum level of protection for the marine environment and the European coastline'.