Press Release: World Oceans Day: healthy oceans are key to Europe’s future, say Commissioners Dimas and Borg

On World Oceans Day, the European Commission recalls the vital role seas and oceans are playing for Europe and reaffirms its commitment to wise stewardship of the marine environment as essential to the planet's health and as a source of wealth, social well-being and pleasure to European Union citizens. The Commission is working for the rapid adoption of the Marine Strategy Directive, which will guarantee the environmental good health of Europe's oceans. In the autumn of 2007 the Commission will present the conclusions of its year-long consultation on the need for an integrated European Maritime Policy.