05/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - Experts from the European Commission, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and Wise Pen (an advisory group commissioned by the EDA to seek synergies in the domain of maritime surveillance) held their first meeting on Wednesday 5 May, where they kick-started projects to set up an integrated pan-European maritime surveillance system for military and civilian use, as agreed at the November 2009 Foreign and General Affairs Council (see EUROPE 10019 and 9987). The final Wise Pen report submitted on 26 April 2010 to the meeting of the EDA management committee in Luxembourg sets out ideas on how this can be achieved. Its suggestions include the introduction of a regional exchange of information and maritime intelligence system to get a full picture of what is happening on (but not below) EU seas and oceans. The system would use existing instruments and gradually combine information, depending on its confidentiality, on various sea users like fishermen, the merchant navy, the military and coastguards. It is also suggested that the European Maritime Safety agency be connected up with the Maritime Safety and Security Information System (MSSIS). (A.By./transl.fl)