On Thursday 10 January, the MEPs of the Transport Committee adopted two reports on maritime transport, one on the establishment of a European Maritime Single Window environment and the other on the minimum level of training for seafarers.
Single Window The report adopted on the establishment of a European Maritime Single Window environment echoes the draft text prepared by Deirdre Clune (EPP, Ireland) (see EUROPE 12130), which itself follows the European Commission's proposal as part of the third mobility package (see EUROPE 12022). It aims to establish a harmonised list and interface for the elements required on entering or leaving a port, without all the formalities being the same in each Member State.
The text adopted is broadly in line with Mrs Clune's draft report. It should be noted that MEP’s are proposing here to extend to 90 days the period during which the Commission could accept a Member State introducing a new reporting obligation, save in exceptional circumstances. Ms. Clune initially proposed 60 days. And the Commission is expected to adopt a delegated act to define what constitutes an exceptional circumstance.
It is also a question here of Member States being able to set up a single window shared with one or more other States.
Interinstitutional negotiations ('trilogues') with the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU will now be able to begin, as EU Transport Ministers agreed at the Transport Council meeting on 3 December (see EUROPE 12151, 12149).
Training of seafarers. The other report adopted on maritime transport, drafted by Dominique Riquet (ALDE, France), echoes the Commission's proposal of 24 May on the minimum level of training for seafarers, repealing Directive 2005/45/EC and amending Directive 2008/106/EC. The aim was for the institution to facilitate and increase clarity as regards to the mutual recognition of seafarers' diplomas issued in each Member State or in third countries.
The text adopted by MEPs is in line with the spirit of the Commission's proposal. It should be noted that deputies are in favour of the Commission setting up a database on seafarers' certificates for a period of one month concerning the initial decision to accept a certificate issued by another Member State or the creation of a European Maritime Diploma of Excellence.
The trilogues will also be able to begin, as the Member States reached political agreement on this text on 3 December. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)