Brussels, 30/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 23 July, the Council formally adopted (without debate) its common position on the directive establishing an action framework for European marine policy. It is worth noting that this future directive accompanies the thematic strategy of the EU for the protection and preservation of the marine environment (EUROPE 9330).
The common position has been sent to the European Parliament to take position at second reading on this proposal, which constitutes the environmental pillar of the future maritime policy of the EU. The framework it will establish aims to ensure the protection and conservation of the marine environment, to prevent its deterioration and, whenever possible, to ensure its restoration in areas in which damage has been suffered. The text approved by the Council provides that the member states will be obliged to draft and implement marine strategies in order to achieve or maintain a good ecological state for their maritime environment no later than 2021. (an)