EU celebrates first European Maritime Day to generate greater public awareness of the importance of Europe's oceans and seas, as expressed in the new Integrated Maritime Policy, Brussel - Hoofdinhoud

20 May marks the first European Maritime Day to be celebrated annually throughout the EU. President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering, Council President Janez Janša, and Commission President José Manuel Barroso will officially launch the event.

At the same time, several regional stakeholders around the EU will organise their own activities linked to the European Maritime Day. Some examples:

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  The Week of the Sea in the Netherlands: a key maritime event starting for 9 days, on 24th May
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  RORO 2008 at Gothenburg, Sweden: a large shipping industry event, from 20th to 22nd May with over 100 exhibitors
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  The 68th International FISHING Fair at Ancona, Italy: from 23rd to 25th May, it will focus on equipment and innovative technologies, logistics, and quality for professional fishing

The Day will also be marked by the adoption of a report on the Integrated Maritime Policy by the European Parliament. This year's events will include, this time in Brussels, a stakeholder conference, with the participation of Joe Borg, Commissioner for fisheries and maritime affairs. It will focus on the regional approach to the implementation of the IMP and dialogue with stakeholders.

The European Maritime Day, decided jointly by the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council, aims to generate greater public awareness of the importance of Europe's oceans and seas, as expressed in the new Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) for the EU, adopted by the Commission in October 2007 and endorsed by the European Council in December.

The European Maritime Day will highlight the contribution that oceans and seas make to helping Europe meet the challenges of a globalized world. It will be an opportunity to celebrate Europe's maritime heritage and maritime identity. It will help raise awareness of the importance of the maritime industries and sectors in Europe's overall economy, and emphasise the key role of Europe's coastal regions.

On 20 May in Strasbourg, President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering, Council President Janez Janša, and Commission President José Manuel Barroso will officially launch the first European Maritime Day by signing the Joint Tripartite Declaration establishing a "European Maritime Day". A photo opportunity will be organised at the EP, at 13h00, Louise' Weiss building, 1st floor, left of the Hemicycle.

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  EbS coverage

Stakeholder conference in Brussels, 19-20 May, Charlemagne building. Journalists are invited to attend the conference. In order to register to the European Maritime Day Stakeholder Conference please download and fill out the registration form and send it to Mare-European-Maritime-Day@ec.europa.eu.

Information on the European Maritime Day Stakeholder Conference and other regional events:

http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritime-day-2008_en.html

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  I-051623: Maritime security 2006

An Integrated Maritime Policy for the EU:

http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/subpage_en.html

Nathalie Charbonneau +32 2 299 16 30 nathalie.charbonneau@ec.europa.eu

Lone Mikkelsen +32 2 296 05 67 lone.mikkelsen@ec.europa.eu