Brussels, 07/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Italy will be ensuring that the EU's maritime policy enjoys adequate funding within the next EU multiannual financial framework (2014-2020), states Enrico Pujia who is responsible for issues relating to Italy's integrated maritime policy. He was speaking on 6 December at the public hearing on progress made in this new EU policy. Organised by Italian members of the transport committee at the European Parliament and by Italy's permanent representation with the EU, the hearing allowed stock to be taken of the latest developments in the policy. It was attended by Vincenzo Grassi, Deputy Permanent Representative for Italy with the EU, Fotis Karamitsos, Director of DG MOVE, Lowri Evans, Director General of DG MARE, Fabrizia Benini, Head of Unit within the same DG, as well as the EP rapporteur on the issue, Gesine Meissner (ALDE, Germany), and Alessandra Zampieri, Head of Unit at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra. Karamitsos underlined progress made in implementing a joint information-sharing mechanism managed by EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), which gives the EU the ability to permanently monitor world shipping. Benini spoke of the Commission's intention to ensure “limited” funding over two years for initiatives under the integrated maritime policy before going on to identify the major needs set out in the future EU financial framework. (A.By./transl.jl)