Brussels, 23/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the Commission approved the introduction of a mechanism in Lithuania to refund employers' social insurance contributions in respect of EU seafarers working on vessels carrying the Lithuanian flag. The mechanism allows for the partial or full refund of employers contributions of social insurance payments in respect of seafarers whose wage is higher than 470.9 Euro per month. In any case, this reduction will not exceed the total amount of taxes and social contributions collected from shipping activities and seafarers in order to avoid possible cumulative effects with other fiscal regimes. The authorised scheme will run from January 2006 to end 2011 and is expected to cost up to €4.63 million per annum. The measure is designed to stimulate the Lithuanian shipping sector by decreasing flagging-out of the EU maritime fleet and preserving employment and maritime know-how in Europe. The aims are part of the EU's maritime policy.