The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has adopted a groundbreaking opinion advocating for a new EU maritime strategy aimed at creating a more competitive, sustainable, and socially responsible shipping industry.
Key Elements of the Opinion
- Clear and Transparent Rules: The opinion calls for a level playing field in the maritime industry, with stronger protections for seafarers and greater transparency.
- Addressing Long-standing Challenges: The EESC highlights urgent issues such as illicit activities, the rise of shadow fleets, and increasing geopolitical competition in maritime transport.
- Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability: The strategy envisions a European maritime space that balances economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social sustainability.
Action Plan for a Sustainable Maritime Space
The EESC stresses the importance of immediate action to combat:
- Substandard shipping registries
- Shadow fleet operations
These threats undermine fair competition and the safety of workers.
Recommendations for a Stronger EU Maritime Presence
- Reflagging of EU-Controlled Tonnage: The strategy recommends encouraging EU vessels to return to EU national flags, ensuring adherence to the highest safety standards, environmental performance, and labour rights.
A New Social Contract for Seafarers
The opinion emphasizes the need for:
- Efficient enforcement of existing legislation
- Legally binding initiatives to provide seafarers with social protections similar to those enjoyed by workers on land.
Additionally, it advocates for the inclusion of seafarers in horizontal labour legislation frameworks, ensuring they are not excluded from key protections.
Quality Shipping Registries and EU Seafarers
The EESC stresses the role of quality shipping registries and EU-qualified seafarers in maintaining high standards of European maritime security. The challenges posed by substandard registries in third countries are also addressed.
ETF’s Support for the Initiative
The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has welcomed the opinion, noting that it aligns with its long-standing commitment to improving working conditions and ensuring fair treatment for seafarers.
Next Steps
- EU Policymakers’ Action: The opinion urges EU policymakers to create a maritime strategy that addresses both immediate and long-term goals, with a focus on delivering tangible benefits for the industry, environment, and workers.
The EU has an opportunity to lead the way, establishing a maritime sector that is competitive, socially just, and environmentally responsible. The ETF and its affiliates will continue to push for the full implementation of these recommendations, ensuring that seafarers’ voices are central to the EU’s maritime policy.
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Source: EUROPEAN TRANSPORT WORKERS’ FEDERATION
