Brussels, 09/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 June, European Commissioner Joe Borg will take part in an international conference in Portorož, Slovenia, to launch a debate about maritime problems and opportunities in the Mediterranean. Discussions will focus on cooperation and governance in a certain number of maritime sectors such as: the environment, maritime transport, surveillance and research. The main themes on the agenda will be strengthening cooperation in these domains in EU and third countries in the region, as well as increased cooperation between sector actors. The conference is jointly organised by the Slovenian Presidency of the EU, the European Commission and the University Centre for Euro-Mediterranean Studies in Piran, which will be an important step towards applying the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy in the regional context. The relatively small size of the Mediterranean Sea and limited exchange of waters with the Atlantic Ocean makes its environment vulnerable to pollution, especially with 30% of the world's maritime transport passing through. The maritime transport in the region is also the source of additional challenges in terms of maritime safety or competition among Mediterranean ports. Furthermore, scientific and research resources need to be pooled together to foster economic growth and generate innovative solutions.
For further information:
http: //ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/imp-mediterranean-conference_en.html (L.C/transl. rh)