EU shipping policy gaps need tackling
EU shipping policy is solid but there are policy gaps which need addressing to sustain further growth, that is according to a new study presented at European Shipping Week.
The Monitor Deloitte concludes that the EU needs to adapt its framework into a comprehensive, globally oriented shipping policy that aims to improve the EU’s competitiveness as a location for international shipping.
Niels Smedegaard, president, The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), said: “It is encouraging to see that the EU is in a good position and does not need a dramatic policy change. But global competition is fierce and we cannot take our position for granted.”
He said that a globally-oriented EU shipping policy involves the trade dimension and the study recognises that the EU plays a positive role in supporting bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements.
But he cautioned that a more structured EU external shipping policy is needed to capitalise on this positive role, similar to the one already existing for aviation.
The study was commissioned by ECSA as input for the ongoing review of EU shipping policy.
By Anne-Marie Causer
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