- The revision of EMSA’s mandate aims to better align the agency’s responsibilities with current and future maritime safety, pollution prevention, and digitalization needs.
- EMSA will be able to take on additional tasks at the request of Member States and the Commission to address emerging challenges such as cybersecurity and hybrid threats.
- The updated mandate ensures that EMSA has adequate human and financial resources to effectively support Member States and the European Commission in maritime safety and environmental protection.
A provisional political agreement between the Council and the European Parliament seeks to more precisely align the mandate of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). This agreement reinforces EMSA’s vital role in tackling marine pollution, supporting the maritime sector’s digital and green transitions, and adapting to future challenges such as cybersecurity and hybrid threats, according to the report published by the European Council.
Strengthening EMSA’s Role in Maritime Safety and Security
Dariusz Klimczak, Polish Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted that for over 23 years the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has been a crucial support to member states in ensuring safety in European waters. He emphasized that revising the agency’s mandate would better reflect EMSA’s current and future role, making the agency more future-proof and marking the conclusion of the legislative work on the maritime safety package.
The new regulation is expected to provide a more appropriate legal framework for EMSA to carry out its responsibilities in maritime safety, pollution prevention and response, decarbonization, surveillance, and maritime awareness. Additionally, EMSA will continue to offer technical, operational, and scientific support to both Member States and the European Commission.
The revision also allows EMSA to take on additional tasks upon request from Member States and the Commission, enabling the agency to adapt to future developments in the maritime sector. Finally, it aims to ensure that EMSA is equipped with the necessary human and financial resources to effectively perform these expanded duties.
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Source: EuropeanCouncil
