Brussels, 15/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - After second reading vote by the EP (EUROPE 9563), the EU Council of Ministers adopted without debate, on Wednesday 14 May, the new directive establishing a Community action framework in the field of marine environment policy (“marine strategy framework directive”).
The directive sets in place a framework allowing member states to take every necessary measure to achieve or maintain a good marine environmental state by 2020 at the latest. To this end, marine strategies are developed and implemented by member states to: - ensure protection and conservation of the marine environment, prevent its deterioration and, when possible, to ensure marine ecosystems are restored in areas where there has been damage to these ecosystems; - prevent and reduce contaminants in the sea in order to gradually eliminate pollution to ensure there is no impact or significant risk for marine biodiversity, marine ecosystems, human health or legitimate use of the sea. (L.C.)