Ministers sign maritime pledge to shape EU strategy
“There is no strong Europe without a strong maritime economy,” EU maritime ministers agreed as they called for a clear strategy for the future.
Meeting in Szczecin, Poland for the 11th International Maritime Congress, 21 ministers signed the Szczecin Declaration, which lays out a number of pledges to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness amidst growing competition from other countries, most notably, China.
The declaration calls for an immediate EU industrial strategy to recognise shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing as key to Europe’s autonomy, security and defence.
It includes calls for regulatory action on fuel supply along with de-risking investment in alternative fuels; more access to public and private finance; awareness of shipowners’ dependence on Asia for shipbuilding; and the growing lack of expertise in an ageing workforce and shortage of skills.
SEA Europe, a trade body that represents shipbuilders in 16 European countries, said it backed the declaration and would lobby the European Commission to implement measures in its forthcoming industrial strategy.
“The Szczecin Declaration is a pivotal moment for Europe’s maritime industries, especially for the maritime manufacturing industry, which has been lacking political support and impactful measures for far too long, despite unfair competition from Asia,” said Alberto Maestrini, SEA Europe’s chairman. “Europe must protect its maritime industrial base and cannot do without commercial shipbuilding if it wants to secure its naval capabilities, cross-fertilization between commercial and naval industry, and sovereignty.
”The Szczecin Declaration sends a clear political message to the European Commission ahead of the preparation of the Industrial Maritime Strategy, which Commission President von der Leyen made a clear task for Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas,” said SEA Europe secretary general Christophe Tytgat. “If Europe wants to regain global leadership in strategic maritime segments and invest in its people, innovative technology, whilst safeguarding economic security and strategic autonomy, it needs to come up with a strong and impactful EU Industrial Maritime Strategy.”
