The Cyprus Presidency will, as one of its priorities, aim at ‘re-energizing’ the implementation of the EU Integrated Maritime Policy, through a Political Declaration, entitled the “Limassol Declaration”. This will be highlighted with the organisation of an Informal Ministerial Meeting on 8 October 2012, when the European Commission President, Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of Cyprus, Mr. Demetris Christofias, the Maritime Affairs Commissioner, Mrs. Maria Damanaki and EU Ministers responsible for Maritime Affairs, will attend.
Furthermore, the Cyprus Presidency will continue the examination of the European Commission’s legislative initiatives on the enforcement of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in relation to Port State and Flag State obligations of EU Member States on board all ships calling at EU ports, regardless of the nationality of the seafarers. We should emphasise at this point, that Cyprus has already ratified the ILO MLC and the certification process for Cyprus flag ships has also commenced.
The Cyprus Presidency will also organise a meeting on 24-25 September 2012, bringing together all Directors of the Maritime Administrations of EU Member States, in order to exchange views on current affairs in an attempt to meet effectively the future challenges for EU shipping and its related activities.
Concluding, I would like to congratulate the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, for hosting the ECSA General Assembly and to thank them for their continuous cooperation and support.
Whilst I wish you all a pleasant evening, I also would like to wish all ECSA Members, a pleasant stay in Cyprus, as well as a very productive and fruitful Meeting tomorrow.