03/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - According to an assessment report adopted by the Commission on 27 April 2007, the LeaderSHIP strategy launched by the shipbuilding industry in 2002, with the support of the EU, “is expected to continue and speed up when possible, particularly in connection with ship financing”. Whilst stressing that the ball is now in the industry's court (for industrial structure, for example), as well as that of member states, the Commission decided to continue in its commitment and ensure that a “better dose of measures is devised and applied at a European level” in an effort to enhance shipbuilding efficiency. Implemented in 2002-03 on the initiative of the industry, the LeaderSHIP strategy 2015 identified the main themes needed for extricating the European shipbuilding industry from the crisis it was confronting. This follows the falling off in orders and the fall in prices for new orders, as well as the expansion of the Asian market in this field. (aby)