Brussels, 22/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Union should develop a strategy for the Atlantic seaboard by 2014. The European Parliament regional development committee (REGI) has already given its approval to this idea in adopting the report by Alain Cadec (EPP, France) on Thursday 21 June. This report will now be put to MEPs in plenary session in October. “I have managed to get Europe finally to concern itself with its Atlantic seaboard. We will soon have the means to conduct an ambitious policy for our regions”, commented Cadec. By means of this strategy, the European regions on the Atlantic coast will receive several billion euro in European funding. A maritime and coastal areas planning policy will help open up regions through the motorways of the sea or the railway. There will also be an industrial policy centred on sea-based energy, naval industries, fishing and tourism. “Our maritime industries must become sectors of excellence. We will help our companies meet the challenge of globalisation”, stated Cadec. (MD/transl.rt)