Brussels, 28/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 October, the European Commission adopted a proposal to extend the powers of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in the areas of pollution prevention and technical assistance. The proposals are to: - extend EMSA technical assistance to all European Neighbourhood Policy states; - involve EMSA further in the development and implementation of EU maritime policies (motorways of the sea, e-maritime and climate change) and enhance its involvement in European research policy. The proposal also seeks to clarify that the Stand-by Oil Spill Response Vessels under contract to EMSA can intervene is cases of oil pollution caused by offshore installations and strengthen the Agency's operational vessel monitoring services. (A.By./transl.rt)