Yesterday, the Danish Presidency has reached an agreement on a stronger European Maritime Safety Agency.

The agreement ensures that the Agency is able to carry out its tasks in relation to maritime safety and the marine environment in a better and more efficient manner.

Since 1 January 2012, the Danish EU Presidency has led negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament on a new regulation on the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

EMSA has existed for ten years, and developments in maritime affairs at both the European and the international level have created a need for strengthening its role and extending its responsibilities.

Danish Minister for Business and Growth Ole Sohn says:

”I am pleased that we have reached an agreement strengthening the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). EMSA’s mandate will now be strengthened in relation to, inter alia, accident investigation, response to pollution from offshore installations and monitoring of vessel traffic.”

”Maritime safety and pollution response in European waters are Government priorities. There are a wide number of tasks that it makes good sense to handle jointly in the EU. It is therefore gratifying that we have succeeded in reaching an agreement on this file during our Presidency.”

The political agreement is to be finally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.