The Commission presents a Communication on Blue Growth: opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. This is the contribution of the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy to achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The EU's blue economy represents 5.4 million jobs and a gross added value of just under EUR 500 billion per year. In all, 75% of Europe’s external trade and 37% of trade within the EU is seaborne.

This Communication drives forward the Commission's Integrated Maritime Policy and launches a process which will place the blue economy firmly on the agenda of Member States, regions, enterprise and civil society. It describes how Member States and EU policies are already supporting the blue economy. It then identifies specific areas where targeted action could provide an additional stimulus. A set of initiatives will subsequently be launched to explore and develop the growth potential in these areas.

Blue Growth Focus Areas: an analysis of the job-creation potential, as well as the potential for research and development to deliver technology improvements and innovation and the need for action at EU level, has suggested that five value chains could deliver sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy. They could therefore benefit from clear-sighted policymaking, allowing the private sector to play a leading role in helping the blue economy reach its sustainable growth potential. This list should not be considered exhaustive. Ongoing EU initiatives are already encouraging innovation in sectors such as maritime transport. Other value chains may emerge over time as suitable areas for further policy focus. 

The Communication identifies five focus areas in which additional efforts at EU level could yield long-term growth and sustainable jobs:

1. Blue energy: marine energies have the potential to enhance the efficiency of harvesting the European energy resource, minimize land-use requirements of the power sector and reduce the European greenhouse gas emissions (by about 65 Mt CO2 in 2020).

·        Offshore wind could meet 4% of the EU electricity demand by 2020 and 14% by 2030. This would mean 170 000 jobs by 2020, increasing to 300 000 by 2030.

·        Other offshore renewable energy technologies are still at an early stage of development, with Member States planning to install only a moderate capacity of 2 to 4 GW by 2020. The challenge is to accelerate the commercialisation of ocean energy through reductions in technology costs as world-wide demand is expected to double annually in the near future. Further efforts to reinforce research and development in the field of ocean energy are needed.

·        EU measures, including funding (EIB, Structural Funds), can have a crucial role in providing a framework that gives investors the confidence to invest.

·        EU industry is a world leader in blue energy and can contribute to reductions in carbon emissions outside Europe through exports. In addition, synergies can also be explored with the offshore conventional energy sector, for example by tackling safety and infrastructure challenges together. The Commission proposal for levelling up safety standards in the offshore oil and gas sector EU-wide is a key initiative. Working together with the conventional energy sector will help secure affordable energy supplies in the EU.

2. Aquaculture: globally, aquaculture has a growth rate of 6.6% per annum, making it the fastest-growing animal-food-producing sector and faster than the 1.8% annual global population increases. Fish accounts for about 15.7% of the animal protein consumed globally. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that aquaculture provides half of this and that by 2030 it will reach 65%. It is currently 25% in the EU.

As part of the Common Fisheries Policy reform, the Commission proposes to promote aquaculture through an 'open method of coordination' based on nonbinding strategic guidelines, multiannual national strategic plans and the exchange of best practice. There is a wide scope for improving administrative practices, especially in licensing.

3. Maritime, coastal and cruise tourism: the maritime and coastal tourism sub-sector has now become the largest single maritime economic activity, employing 2.35 million people, equivalent to 1.1% of total EU employment. More than 90% of enterprises employ less than 10 people. The cruise industry is also growing. Within Europe it employs nearly 150000 people and generates direct turnover of EUR 14.5 billion. EU shipyards have been successful in serving this specialised market – both with large cruise ships and small leisure vessels.

4. Marine mineral resources: between 2000 and 2010 there has been an annual increase of about 15% in the price of many non-energy raw materials, mainly as a result of consumer demand in emerging economies. There is a risk of supply shortage for several of these, including those identified as critical to Europe's economy. By 2020, 5% of the world's minerals, including cobalt, copper and zinc could come from the ocean floors. This could rise to 10% by 2030. Global annual turnover of marine mineral mining can be expected to grow from virtually nothing to EUR 5 billion in the next 10 years and up to EUR 10 billion by 2030.

5. Blue biotechnology: the unexplored and understudied nature of much of the underwater world means that the capacity of marine organisms other than fish and shellfish to provide inputs to the blue economy is only just beginning to be appreciated, partly through new gene sequencing technologies for living organisms. While estimated current employment in the sector in Europe is still relatively low, and a gross value added of EUR 0.8 billion, the growth of the sector will offer high-skilled employment, especially if ground-breaking drugs can be developed from marine organisms, and significant downstream opportunities.

Commission plans: for each of the five activities highlighted the Commission will analyse policy options and consider further initiatives. This will involve:

·        assessing the options for giving industry  the confidence to invest in ocean renewable energy, taking into account the framework provided by the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, the aim being to address ocean renewable energy issues in a Communication in 2013;

·        working collaboratively with Member States to develop  best practice and agree on Strategic Guidelines on Aquaculture in the EU to be adopted in early 2013;

·        assessing how maritime and coastal tourism can further contribute to economic growth and provide less precarious jobs whilst improving its environmental sustainability. An impact assessment will be followed by a Communication in 2013;

·        assessing how European industry can  become competitive in extracting minerals from the seafloor and how best to ensure that this activity does not prevent future generations from benefiting from hitherto untouched ecosystems. An impact assessment followed by a Communication will be delivered in 2014;

·        assessing the options for blue biotechnology to harness the diversity of marine life. An impact assessment followed by a Communication will also be delivered in 2014.

In each of these areas, the assessment of options will begin with consultations with Member States and industry and other relevant stakeholders in order to develop joint approaches that will provide the extra push that the blue economy needs in order to provide a positive contribution to Europe's economic future, while safeguarding our unique marine environment for future generations.

The Commission presents its second report describing the progress of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) and maritime sectoral policies between 2010 and 2012. It highlights the contribution of these policies to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save public money.

The report notes that the IMP was created to reaffirm the maritime dimension of the EU. The IMP has grown from this vision into a tool delivering concrete benefits for maritime growth and sustainability in Europe. The report presents a picture of achievements in all policy areas related to the seas. It examines actions taken under the following policy areas: transport, research, environment, tourism, shipbuilding, climate change adaption, and regional policies. Among the initiatives launched are the following:

·        the White Paper for Transport, which further specifies the orientations of the Maritime Transport Strategy until 2018: the ability to provide cost-efficient maritime transport services; the long-term competitiveness of the EU shipping sector; and the creation of seamless transport chains for passengers and cargo across transport modes;

·        the Common Information Sharing Environment for the EU’s maritime domain to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maritime surveillance;

·        a Task force on Maritime Employment and Competitiveness;

·        three joint calls of FP7 Research Programme under the Ocean of Tomorrow to support multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects, a first version of the European Marine Observation and Data Network to improve access to data and reduce costs to users;

·        a Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic adopted in November 2011;

·        a Decision to implement the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, laying down criteria and methodological standards for the assessment of Good Environmental Status.

The contribution of the maritime economy to growth and employment

Blue Growth: the Commission adopted a Communication on Blue Growth, opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. The objective is to launch a joint initiative with Member States, regions, and all relevant stakeholders to unlock the potential of the blue economy. A study launched by the Commission in 2010 has identified as common bottlenecks the lack of appropriate skills, access to risk capital, fragmented marine data, environmental challenges and difficult planning processes. Actions are underway in Member States to remedy the skills shortage — for example through encouraging clusters of industry and education. Integrated maritime policy initiatives are addressing the data and planning issues. However, certain sectors require a more targeted approach. Accordingly, five areas with growth potential —maritime and coastal tourism, ocean renewable energy, marine mineral resources, aquaculture, and blue biotechnology — have been analysed in more depth to suggest additional measures needed to increase growth and jobs.

Energy: offshore wind energy contributes to reach a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020. In 2011, the Commission proposed guidelines to lay down rules for the development and interoperability of trans-European energy networks. Priority corridors were identified, including the North Sea Offshore Grid and the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan.

Shipbuilding: a new Framework on State Aid to Shipbuilding was adopted in December 2011 containing specific provisions in relation to innovation aid and regional aid for shipbuilding, as well as provisions on exports credits. Its extended scope now applies to inland waterway vessels and floating and moving offshore structures. 

Fisheries and aquaculture: in July 2011, the Commission adopted a package of initiatives, including new legislative proposals, to reform the Common Fisheries Policy. The transition will be accompanied by a European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to improve sustainability, the performance of small-scale coastal fisheries, promote aquaculture, support job creation in maritime communities and deliver cost-efficiency in maritime affairs.

The report shows that the strong contribution of maritime sectors to Europe’s economy and the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy are reinforced by coordinated action to lower costs, improve resource efficiency, reduce risks, support innovation and make better use of public money. By facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders, and by avoiding duplication of spending and efforts, the IMP has enhanced the sustainable development of the European maritime economy, while contributing to a better protection of the marine environment.

The Commission considers it is setting the best possible conditions for sustainable economic development to come from the sea. Building on those achievements, Blue Growth is the objective for the coming years. During Cyprus’s Council Presidency, an informal Ministerial Conference on IMP will be a major stepping-stone towards this goal. Blue Growth will drive a second phase of the Integrated Maritime Policy to achieve a healthy maritime economy that delivers innovation, growth and sustainability for European citizens.

PURPOSE: second progress report on the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy.

CONTENT: since its creation in 2007, the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) has sought to enhance the sustainable development of the European maritime economy and better protect the marine environment by facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders. The potential for growth in the maritime economy is an opportunity that Europe, as a maritime continent, needs to seize.

Since 2009, the EU has launched key initiatives in all policy areas related to the seas in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. By avoiding duplication of spending and efforts, and encouraging the sustainable development of maritime activities, the IMP has brought concrete benefits to the European economy and maritime sectors in Member States.

In 2009, the Council and European Parliament welcomed the first Progress Report on the IMP and asked the Commission to present further developments in 2012. This second Report describes the progress of the EU’s IMP and maritime sectoral policies between 2010 and 2012. It highlights their contribution to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save public money.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the IMP in October 2010, which confirmed the validity of the integrated approach to maritime affairs and invited the Commission to develop a maritime dimension to the Europe 2020 Strategy. With the Europe 2020 strategy, the EU is seeking to get the European economy back on track to deliver employment, competitiveness and social cohesion.

Achievements: the report presents a coherent picture of achievements in all policy areas related to the seas.  These include maritime transport, energy, shipbuilding, and fisheries and aquaculture.

The EU has launched key initiatives such as: (i) the White Paper for Transport; (ii) the Common Information Sharing Environment for the EU’s maritime domain to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maritime surveillance; (iii) a Task force on Maritime Employment and Competitiveness; (iv) three joint calls of FP7 Research Programme under the Ocean of Tomorrow to support multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects, a first version of the European Marine Observation and Data Network to improve access to data and reduce costs to users; (v) a Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic adopted in November 2011; (vi) the further implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the environment pillar of the IMP to achieve better environmental status for EU marine waters by 2020 and initiatives to promote Maritime Spatial Planning.

Cooperation across sectors: Europe is going through cuts in public spending, so delivering maximum results with limited means is crucial. Cooperation makes operations at sea more cost-efficient and optimise data usage. As new uses of the sea are being developed daily, the Commission considers that it is crucial that Member States put in place stable planning systems favouring long-term investment and cross-border coherence.

Research: the European maritime industry is characterised by innovation and high-quality markets. The Commission is strengthening this competitive edge by developing an ambitious marine research programme and making marine data more accessible for innovation. The EU financial contribution to marine related-research and innovation has amounted to EUR 1.4 billion through 644 projects over 2007-2010. Three joint calls of FP7, under the Ocean of Tomorrow label, have supported multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects for a total EU contribution of EUR 134 million. This effort was complemented with the launch of coordinated topics in 2012 in order to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, for a total EU contribution of EUR 42 million.

Blue Growth: in September 2012, the Commission adopted a Communication on Blue Growth, opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. The objective is to launch a joint initiative with Member States, regions, and all relevant stakeholders to unlock the potential of the blue economy.

·        The Commission, in a 2010 study, identified as common bottlenecks the lack of appropriate skills, access to risk capital, fragmented marine data, environmental challenges and difficult planning processes.

·        Actions are underway in Member States to remedy the skills shortage - for example, through encouraging clusters of industry and education.

·        Integrated maritime policy initiatives are addressing the data and planning issues. However, certain sectors require a more targeted approach. Accordingly, five areas with growth potential - maritime and coastal tourism, ocean renewable energy, marine mineral resources, aquaculture, and blue biotechnology - have been analysed in more depth to suggest additional measures needed to increase growth and jobs.

Protection of the marine environment: the EU has the largest maritime territory in the world. Ensuring the health of marine ecosystems is necessary for the future of ocean biodiversity and to sustain maritime growth.

·        The 2008 Marine Strategy Framework Directive is ţhe environment pillar of the IMP. Its overarching aim is to achieve good environmental status (GES) for EU marine waters by 2020.

·        Action must also be taken with respect to adaptation to and mitigation of climate change and addressing air pollution from ships.

The Commission is setting the best possible conditions for sustainable economic development to come from the sea. Building on those achievements, Blue Growth is the objective for the coming years. During Cyprus’s Council Presidency, an informal Ministerial Conference on IMP will be a major stepping stone towards this goal. Blue Growth will drive a second phase of the Integrated Maritime Policy to achieve a healthy maritime economy that delivers innovation, growth and sustainability for European citizens.

The Commission presents its second report describing the progress of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) and maritime sectoral policies between 2010 and 2012. It highlights the contribution of these policies to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save public money.

The report notes that the IMP was created to reaffirm the maritime dimension of the EU. The IMP has grown from this vision into a tool delivering concrete benefits for maritime growth and sustainability in Europe. The report presents a picture of achievements in all policy areas related to the seas. It examines actions taken under the following policy areas: transport, research, environment, tourism, shipbuilding, climate change adaption, and regional policies. Among the initiatives launched are the following:

·        the White Paper for Transport, which further specifies the orientations of the Maritime Transport Strategy until 2018: the ability to provide cost-efficient maritime transport services; the long-term competitiveness of the EU shipping sector; and the creation of seamless transport chains for passengers and cargo across transport modes;

·        the Common Information Sharing Environment for the EU’s maritime domain to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maritime surveillance;

·        a Task force on Maritime Employment and Competitiveness;

·        three joint calls of FP7 Research Programme under the Ocean of Tomorrow to support multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects, a first version of the European Marine Observation and Data Network to improve access to data and reduce costs to users;

·        a Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic adopted in November 2011;

·        a Decision to implement the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, laying down criteria and methodological standards for the assessment of Good Environmental Status.

The contribution of the maritime economy to growth and employment

Blue Growth: the Commission adopted a Communication on Blue Growth, opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. The objective is to launch a joint initiative with Member States, regions, and all relevant stakeholders to unlock the potential of the blue economy. A study launched by the Commission in 2010 has identified as common bottlenecks the lack of appropriate skills, access to risk capital, fragmented marine data, environmental challenges and difficult planning processes. Actions are underway in Member States to remedy the skills shortage — for example through encouraging clusters of industry and education. Integrated maritime policy initiatives are addressing the data and planning issues. However, certain sectors require a more targeted approach. Accordingly, five areas with growth potential —maritime and coastal tourism, ocean renewable energy, marine mineral resources, aquaculture, and blue biotechnology — have been analysed in more depth to suggest additional measures needed to increase growth and jobs.

Energy: offshore wind energy contributes to reach a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020. In 2011, the Commission proposed guidelines to lay down rules for the development and interoperability of trans-European energy networks. Priority corridors were identified, including the North Sea Offshore Grid and the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan.

Shipbuilding: a new Framework on State Aid to Shipbuilding was adopted in December 2011 containing specific provisions in relation to innovation aid and regional aid for shipbuilding, as well as provisions on exports credits. Its extended scope now applies to inland waterway vessels and floating and moving offshore structures. 

Fisheries and aquaculture: in July 2011, the Commission adopted a package of initiatives, including new legislative proposals, to reform the Common Fisheries Policy. The transition will be accompanied by a European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to improve sustainability, the performance of small-scale coastal fisheries, promote aquaculture, support job creation in maritime communities and deliver cost-efficiency in maritime affairs.

The report shows that the strong contribution of maritime sectors to Europe’s economy and the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy are reinforced by coordinated action to lower costs, improve resource efficiency, reduce risks, support innovation and make better use of public money. By facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders, and by avoiding duplication of spending and efforts, the IMP has enhanced the sustainable development of the European maritime economy, while contributing to a better protection of the marine environment.

The Commission considers it is setting the best possible conditions for sustainable economic development to come from the sea. Building on those achievements, Blue Growth is the objective for the coming years. During Cyprus’s Council Presidency, an informal Ministerial Conference on IMP will be a major stepping-stone towards this goal. Blue Growth will drive a second phase of the Integrated Maritime Policy to achieve a healthy maritime economy that delivers innovation, growth and sustainability for European citizens.

PURPOSE: second progress report on the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy.

CONTENT: since its creation in 2007, the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) has sought to enhance the sustainable development of the European maritime economy and better protect the marine environment by facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders. The potential for growth in the maritime economy is an opportunity that Europe, as a maritime continent, needs to seize.

Since 2009, the EU has launched key initiatives in all policy areas related to the seas in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. By avoiding duplication of spending and efforts, and encouraging the sustainable development of maritime activities, the IMP has brought concrete benefits to the European economy and maritime sectors in Member States.

In 2009, the Council and European Parliament welcomed the first Progress Report on the IMP and asked the Commission to present further developments in 2012. This second Report describes the progress of the EU’s IMP and maritime sectoral policies between 2010 and 2012. It highlights their contribution to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save public money.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the IMP in October 2010, which confirmed the validity of the integrated approach to maritime affairs and invited the Commission to develop a maritime dimension to the Europe 2020 Strategy. With the Europe 2020 strategy, the EU is seeking to get the European economy back on track to deliver employment, competitiveness and social cohesion.

Achievements: the report presents a coherent picture of achievements in all policy areas related to the seas.  These include maritime transport, energy, shipbuilding, and fisheries and aquaculture.

The EU has launched key initiatives such as: (i) the White Paper for Transport; (ii) the Common Information Sharing Environment for the EU’s maritime domain to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maritime surveillance; (iii) a Task force on Maritime Employment and Competitiveness; (iv) three joint calls of FP7 Research Programme under the Ocean of Tomorrow to support multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects, a first version of the European Marine Observation and Data Network to improve access to data and reduce costs to users; (v) a Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic adopted in November 2011; (vi) the further implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the environment pillar of the IMP to achieve better environmental status for EU marine waters by 2020 and initiatives to promote Maritime Spatial Planning.

Cooperation across sectors: Europe is going through cuts in public spending, so delivering maximum results with limited means is crucial. Cooperation makes operations at sea more cost-efficient and optimise data usage. As new uses of the sea are being developed daily, the Commission considers that it is crucial that Member States put in place stable planning systems favouring long-term investment and cross-border coherence.

Research: the European maritime industry is characterised by innovation and high-quality markets. The Commission is strengthening this competitive edge by developing an ambitious marine research programme and making marine data more accessible for innovation. The EU financial contribution to marine related-research and innovation has amounted to EUR 1.4 billion through 644 projects over 2007-2010. Three joint calls of FP7, under the Ocean of Tomorrow label, have supported multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects for a total EU contribution of EUR 134 million. This effort was complemented with the launch of coordinated topics in 2012 in order to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, for a total EU contribution of EUR 42 million.

Blue Growth: in September 2012, the Commission adopted a Communication on Blue Growth, opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. The objective is to launch a joint initiative with Member States, regions, and all relevant stakeholders to unlock the potential of the blue economy.

·        The Commission, in a 2010 study, identified as common bottlenecks the lack of appropriate skills, access to risk capital, fragmented marine data, environmental challenges and difficult planning processes.

·        Actions are underway in Member States to remedy the skills shortage - for example, through encouraging clusters of industry and education.

·        Integrated maritime policy initiatives are addressing the data and planning issues. However, certain sectors require a more targeted approach. Accordingly, five areas with growth potential - maritime and coastal tourism, ocean renewable energy, marine mineral resources, aquaculture, and blue biotechnology - have been analysed in more depth to suggest additional measures needed to increase growth and jobs.

Protection of the marine environment: the EU has the largest maritime territory in the world. Ensuring the health of marine ecosystems is necessary for the future of ocean biodiversity and to sustain maritime growth.

·        The 2008 Marine Strategy Framework Directive is ţhe environment pillar of the IMP. Its overarching aim is to achieve good environmental status (GES) for EU marine waters by 2020.

·        Action must also be taken with respect to adaptation to and mitigation of climate change and addressing air pollution from ships.

The Commission is setting the best possible conditions for sustainable economic development to come from the sea. Building on those achievements, Blue Growth is the objective for the coming years. During Cyprus’s Council Presidency, an informal Ministerial Conference on IMP will be a major stepping stone towards this goal. Blue Growth will drive a second phase of the Integrated Maritime Policy to achieve a healthy maritime economy that delivers innovation, growth and sustainability for European citizens.

PURPOSE: second progress report on the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy.

CONTENT: since its creation in 2007, the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) has sought to enhance the sustainable development of the European maritime economy and better protect the marine environment by facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders. The potential for growth in the maritime economy is an opportunity that Europe, as a maritime continent, needs to seize.

Since 2009, the EU has launched key initiatives in all policy areas related to the seas in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. By avoiding duplication of spending and efforts, and encouraging the sustainable development of maritime activities, the IMP has brought concrete benefits to the European economy and maritime sectors in Member States.

In 2009, the Council and European Parliament welcomed the first Progress Report on the IMP and asked the Commission to present further developments in 2012. This second Report describes the progress of the EU’s IMP and maritime sectoral policies between 2010 and 2012. It highlights their contribution to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save public money.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the IMP in October 2010, which confirmed the validity of the integrated approach to maritime affairs and invited the Commission to develop a maritime dimension to the Europe 2020 Strategy. With the Europe 2020 strategy, the EU is seeking to get the European economy back on track to deliver employment, competitiveness and social cohesion.

Achievements: the report presents a coherent picture of achievements in all policy areas related to the seas.  These include maritime transport, energy, shipbuilding, and fisheries and aquaculture.

The EU has launched key initiatives such as: (i) the White Paper for Transport; (ii) the Common Information Sharing Environment for the EU’s maritime domain to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maritime surveillance; (iii) a Task force on Maritime Employment and Competitiveness; (iv) three joint calls of FP7 Research Programme under the Ocean of Tomorrow to support multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects, a first version of the European Marine Observation and Data Network to improve access to data and reduce costs to users; (v) a Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic adopted in November 2011; (vi) the further implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the environment pillar of the IMP to achieve better environmental status for EU marine waters by 2020 and initiatives to promote Maritime Spatial Planning.

Cooperation across sectors: Europe is going through cuts in public spending, so delivering maximum results with limited means is crucial. Cooperation makes operations at sea more cost-efficient and optimise data usage. As new uses of the sea are being developed daily, the Commission considers that it is crucial that Member States put in place stable planning systems favouring long-term investment and cross-border coherence.

Research: the European maritime industry is characterised by innovation and high-quality markets. The Commission is strengthening this competitive edge by developing an ambitious marine research programme and making marine data more accessible for innovation. The EU financial contribution to marine related-research and innovation has amounted to EUR 1.4 billion through 644 projects over 2007-2010. Three joint calls of FP7, under the Ocean of Tomorrow label, have supported multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects for a total EU contribution of EUR 134 million. This effort was complemented with the launch of coordinated topics in 2012 in order to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, for a total EU contribution of EUR 42 million.

Blue Growth: in September 2012, the Commission adopted a Communication on Blue Growth, opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. The objective is to launch a joint initiative with Member States, regions, and all relevant stakeholders to unlock the potential of the blue economy.

·        The Commission, in a 2010 study, identified as common bottlenecks the lack of appropriate skills, access to risk capital, fragmented marine data, environmental challenges and difficult planning processes.

·        Actions are underway in Member States to remedy the skills shortage - for example, through encouraging clusters of industry and education.

·        Integrated maritime policy initiatives are addressing the data and planning issues. However, certain sectors require a more targeted approach. Accordingly, five areas with growth potential - maritime and coastal tourism, ocean renewable energy, marine mineral resources, aquaculture, and blue biotechnology - have been analysed in more depth to suggest additional measures needed to increase growth and jobs.

Protection of the marine environment: the EU has the largest maritime territory in the world. Ensuring the health of marine ecosystems is necessary for the future of ocean biodiversity and to sustain maritime growth.

·        The 2008 Marine Strategy Framework Directive is ţhe environment pillar of the IMP. Its overarching aim is to achieve good environmental status (GES) for EU marine waters by 2020.

·        Action must also be taken with respect to adaptation to and mitigation of climate change and addressing air pollution from ships.

The Commission is setting the best possible conditions for sustainable economic development to come from the sea. Building on those achievements, Blue Growth is the objective for the coming years. During Cyprus’s Council Presidency, an informal Ministerial Conference on IMP will be a major stepping stone towards this goal. Blue Growth will drive a second phase of the Integrated Maritime Policy to achieve a healthy maritime economy that delivers innovation, growth and sustainability for European citizens.

The Commission presents a Communication on Blue Growth: opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. This is the contribution of the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy to achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The EU's blue economy represents 5.4 million jobs and a gross added value of just under EUR 500 billion per year. In all, 75% of Europe’s external trade and 37% of trade within the EU is seaborne.

This Communication drives forward the Commission's Integrated Maritime Policy and launches a process which will place the blue economy firmly on the agenda of Member States, regions, enterprise and civil society. It describes how Member States and EU policies are already supporting the blue economy. It then identifies specific areas where targeted action could provide an additional stimulus. A set of initiatives will subsequently be launched to explore and develop the growth potential in these areas.

Blue Growth Focus Areas: an analysis of the job-creation potential, as well as the potential for research and development to deliver technology improvements and innovation and the need for action at EU level, has suggested that five value chains could deliver sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy. They could therefore benefit from clear-sighted policymaking, allowing the private sector to play a leading role in helping the blue economy reach its sustainable growth potential. This list should not be considered exhaustive. Ongoing EU initiatives are already encouraging innovation in sectors such as maritime transport. Other value chains may emerge over time as suitable areas for further policy focus. 

The Communication identifies five focus areas in which additional efforts at EU level could yield long-term growth and sustainable jobs:

1. Blue energy: marine energies have the potential to enhance the efficiency of harvesting the European energy resource, minimize land-use requirements of the power sector and reduce the European greenhouse gas emissions (by about 65 Mt CO2 in 2020).

·        Offshore wind could meet 4% of the EU electricity demand by 2020 and 14% by 2030. This would mean 170 000 jobs by 2020, increasing to 300 000 by 2030.

·        Other offshore renewable energy technologies are still at an early stage of development, with Member States planning to install only a moderate capacity of 2 to 4 GW by 2020. The challenge is to accelerate the commercialisation of ocean energy through reductions in technology costs as world-wide demand is expected to double annually in the near future. Further efforts to reinforce research and development in the field of ocean energy are needed.

·        EU measures, including funding (EIB, Structural Funds), can have a crucial role in providing a framework that gives investors the confidence to invest.

·        EU industry is a world leader in blue energy and can contribute to reductions in carbon emissions outside Europe through exports. In addition, synergies can also be explored with the offshore conventional energy sector, for example by tackling safety and infrastructure challenges together. The Commission proposal for levelling up safety standards in the offshore oil and gas sector EU-wide is a key initiative. Working together with the conventional energy sector will help secure affordable energy supplies in the EU.

2. Aquaculture: globally, aquaculture has a growth rate of 6.6% per annum, making it the fastest-growing animal-food-producing sector and faster than the 1.8% annual global population increases. Fish accounts for about 15.7% of the animal protein consumed globally. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that aquaculture provides half of this and that by 2030 it will reach 65%. It is currently 25% in the EU.

As part of the Common Fisheries Policy reform, the Commission proposes to promote aquaculture through an 'open method of coordination' based on nonbinding strategic guidelines, multiannual national strategic plans and the exchange of best practice. There is a wide scope for improving administrative practices, especially in licensing.

3. Maritime, coastal and cruise tourism: the maritime and coastal tourism sub-sector has now become the largest single maritime economic activity, employing 2.35 million people, equivalent to 1.1% of total EU employment. More than 90% of enterprises employ less than 10 people. The cruise industry is also growing. Within Europe it employs nearly 150000 people and generates direct turnover of EUR 14.5 billion. EU shipyards have been successful in serving this specialised market – both with large cruise ships and small leisure vessels.

4. Marine mineral resources: between 2000 and 2010 there has been an annual increase of about 15% in the price of many non-energy raw materials, mainly as a result of consumer demand in emerging economies. There is a risk of supply shortage for several of these, including those identified as critical to Europe's economy. By 2020, 5% of the world's minerals, including cobalt, copper and zinc could come from the ocean floors. This could rise to 10% by 2030. Global annual turnover of marine mineral mining can be expected to grow from virtually nothing to EUR 5 billion in the next 10 years and up to EUR 10 billion by 2030.

5. Blue biotechnology: the unexplored and understudied nature of much of the underwater world means that the capacity of marine organisms other than fish and shellfish to provide inputs to the blue economy is only just beginning to be appreciated, partly through new gene sequencing technologies for living organisms. While estimated current employment in the sector in Europe is still relatively low, and a gross value added of EUR 0.8 billion, the growth of the sector will offer high-skilled employment, especially if ground-breaking drugs can be developed from marine organisms, and significant downstream opportunities.

Commission plans: for each of the five activities highlighted the Commission will analyse policy options and consider further initiatives. This will involve:

·        assessing the options for giving industry  the confidence to invest in ocean renewable energy, taking into account the framework provided by the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, the aim being to address ocean renewable energy issues in a Communication in 2013;

·        working collaboratively with Member States to develop  best practice and agree on Strategic Guidelines on Aquaculture in the EU to be adopted in early 2013;

·        assessing how maritime and coastal tourism can further contribute to economic growth and provide less precarious jobs whilst improving its environmental sustainability. An impact assessment will be followed by a Communication in 2013;

·        assessing how European industry can  become competitive in extracting minerals from the seafloor and how best to ensure that this activity does not prevent future generations from benefiting from hitherto untouched ecosystems. An impact assessment followed by a Communication will be delivered in 2014;

·        assessing the options for blue biotechnology to harness the diversity of marine life. An impact assessment followed by a Communication will also be delivered in 2014.

In each of these areas, the assessment of options will begin with consultations with Member States and industry and other relevant stakeholders in order to develop joint approaches that will provide the extra push that the blue economy needs in order to provide a positive contribution to Europe's economic future, while safeguarding our unique marine environment for future generations.

The Commission presents its second report describing the progress of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) and maritime sectoral policies between 2010 and 2012. It highlights the contribution of these policies to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save public money.

The report notes that the IMP was created to reaffirm the maritime dimension of the EU. The IMP has grown from this vision into a tool delivering concrete benefits for maritime growth and sustainability in Europe. The report presents a picture of achievements in all policy areas related to the seas. It examines actions taken under the following policy areas: transport, research, environment, tourism, shipbuilding, climate change adaption, and regional policies. Among the initiatives launched are the following:

·        the White Paper for Transport, which further specifies the orientations of the Maritime Transport Strategy until 2018: the ability to provide cost-efficient maritime transport services; the long-term competitiveness of the EU shipping sector; and the creation of seamless transport chains for passengers and cargo across transport modes;

·        the Common Information Sharing Environment for the EU’s maritime domain to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maritime surveillance;

·        a Task force on Maritime Employment and Competitiveness;

·        three joint calls of FP7 Research Programme under the Ocean of Tomorrow to support multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects, a first version of the European Marine Observation and Data Network to improve access to data and reduce costs to users;

·        a Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic adopted in November 2011;

·        a Decision to implement the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, laying down criteria and methodological standards for the assessment of Good Environmental Status.

The contribution of the maritime economy to growth and employment

Blue Growth: the Commission adopted a Communication on Blue Growth, opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. The objective is to launch a joint initiative with Member States, regions, and all relevant stakeholders to unlock the potential of the blue economy. A study launched by the Commission in 2010 has identified as common bottlenecks the lack of appropriate skills, access to risk capital, fragmented marine data, environmental challenges and difficult planning processes. Actions are underway in Member States to remedy the skills shortage — for example through encouraging clusters of industry and education. Integrated maritime policy initiatives are addressing the data and planning issues. However, certain sectors require a more targeted approach. Accordingly, five areas with growth potential —maritime and coastal tourism, ocean renewable energy, marine mineral resources, aquaculture, and blue biotechnology — have been analysed in more depth to suggest additional measures needed to increase growth and jobs.

Energy: offshore wind energy contributes to reach a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020. In 2011, the Commission proposed guidelines to lay down rules for the development and interoperability of trans-European energy networks. Priority corridors were identified, including the North Sea Offshore Grid and the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan.

Shipbuilding: a new Framework on State Aid to Shipbuilding was adopted in December 2011 containing specific provisions in relation to innovation aid and regional aid for shipbuilding, as well as provisions on exports credits. Its extended scope now applies to inland waterway vessels and floating and moving offshore structures. 

Fisheries and aquaculture: in July 2011, the Commission adopted a package of initiatives, including new legislative proposals, to reform the Common Fisheries Policy. The transition will be accompanied by a European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to improve sustainability, the performance of small-scale coastal fisheries, promote aquaculture, support job creation in maritime communities and deliver cost-efficiency in maritime affairs.

The report shows that the strong contribution of maritime sectors to Europe’s economy and the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy are reinforced by coordinated action to lower costs, improve resource efficiency, reduce risks, support innovation and make better use of public money. By facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders, and by avoiding duplication of spending and efforts, the IMP has enhanced the sustainable development of the European maritime economy, while contributing to a better protection of the marine environment.

The Commission considers it is setting the best possible conditions for sustainable economic development to come from the sea. Building on those achievements, Blue Growth is the objective for the coming years. During Cyprus’s Council Presidency, an informal Ministerial Conference on IMP will be a major stepping-stone towards this goal. Blue Growth will drive a second phase of the Integrated Maritime Policy to achieve a healthy maritime economy that delivers innovation, growth and sustainability for European citizens.

PURPOSE: second progress report on the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy.

CONTENT: since its creation in 2007, the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) has sought to enhance the sustainable development of the European maritime economy and better protect the marine environment by facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders. The potential for growth in the maritime economy is an opportunity that Europe, as a maritime continent, needs to seize.

Since 2009, the EU has launched key initiatives in all policy areas related to the seas in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. By avoiding duplication of spending and efforts, and encouraging the sustainable development of maritime activities, the IMP has brought concrete benefits to the European economy and maritime sectors in Member States.

In 2009, the Council and European Parliament welcomed the first Progress Report on the IMP and asked the Commission to present further developments in 2012. This second Report describes the progress of the EU’s IMP and maritime sectoral policies between 2010 and 2012. It highlights their contribution to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save public money.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the IMP in October 2010, which confirmed the validity of the integrated approach to maritime affairs and invited the Commission to develop a maritime dimension to the Europe 2020 Strategy. With the Europe 2020 strategy, the EU is seeking to get the European economy back on track to deliver employment, competitiveness and social cohesion.

Achievements: the report presents a coherent picture of achievements in all policy areas related to the seas.  These include maritime transport, energy, shipbuilding, and fisheries and aquaculture.

The EU has launched key initiatives such as: (i) the White Paper for Transport; (ii) the Common Information Sharing Environment for the EU’s maritime domain to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maritime surveillance; (iii) a Task force on Maritime Employment and Competitiveness; (iv) three joint calls of FP7 Research Programme under the Ocean of Tomorrow to support multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects, a first version of the European Marine Observation and Data Network to improve access to data and reduce costs to users; (v) a Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic adopted in November 2011; (vi) the further implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the environment pillar of the IMP to achieve better environmental status for EU marine waters by 2020 and initiatives to promote Maritime Spatial Planning.

Cooperation across sectors: Europe is going through cuts in public spending, so delivering maximum results with limited means is crucial. Cooperation makes operations at sea more cost-efficient and optimise data usage. As new uses of the sea are being developed daily, the Commission considers that it is crucial that Member States put in place stable planning systems favouring long-term investment and cross-border coherence.

Research: the European maritime industry is characterised by innovation and high-quality markets. The Commission is strengthening this competitive edge by developing an ambitious marine research programme and making marine data more accessible for innovation. The EU financial contribution to marine related-research and innovation has amounted to EUR 1.4 billion through 644 projects over 2007-2010. Three joint calls of FP7, under the Ocean of Tomorrow label, have supported multidisciplinary marine and maritime projects for a total EU contribution of EUR 134 million. This effort was complemented with the launch of coordinated topics in 2012 in order to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, for a total EU contribution of EUR 42 million.

Blue Growth: in September 2012, the Commission adopted a Communication on Blue Growth, opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth. The objective is to launch a joint initiative with Member States, regions, and all relevant stakeholders to unlock the potential of the blue economy.

·        The Commission, in a 2010 study, identified as common bottlenecks the lack of appropriate skills, access to risk capital, fragmented marine data, environmental challenges and difficult planning processes.

·        Actions are underway in Member States to remedy the skills shortage - for example, through encouraging clusters of industry and education.

·        Integrated maritime policy initiatives are addressing the data and planning issues. However, certain sectors require a more targeted approach. Accordingly, five areas with growth potential - maritime and coastal tourism, ocean renewable energy, marine mineral resources, aquaculture, and blue biotechnology - have been analysed in more depth to suggest additional measures needed to increase growth and jobs.

Protection of the marine environment: the EU has the largest maritime territory in the world. Ensuring the health of marine ecosystems is necessary for the future of ocean biodiversity and to sustain maritime growth.

·        The 2008 Marine Strategy Framework Directive is ţhe environment pillar of the IMP. Its overarching aim is to achieve good environmental status (GES) for EU marine waters by 2020.

·        Action must also be taken with respect to adaptation to and mitigation of climate change and addressing air pollution from ships.

The Commission is setting the best possible conditions for sustainable economic development to come from the sea. Building on those achievements, Blue Growth is the objective for the coming years. During Cyprus’s Council Presidency, an informal Ministerial Conference on IMP will be a major stepping stone towards this goal. Blue Growth will drive a second phase of the Integrated Maritime Policy to achieve a healthy maritime economy that delivers innovation, growth and sustainability for European citizens.