By M. Mitsea
On Sunday morning Blue Growth was negotiated , a long term strategy which emphasises the exploitation of international seas, oceans and coasts with the latest technology. This strategy constitutes specifically five sectors, such as aquaculture, marine and coastal tourism, ocean energy, biotechnology and sea basin strategy.
The European Commission focused in ways to enhance Blue Growth in general and specifically to the above mentioned crucial sectors and the upcoming job opportunities. Α program that will consist of training, qualification and the education of state holders, was promoted for the employment . Also, the commission promoted for the marine knowledge the expansion of the network and the exchange data among countries, as well as the investigation between the centers.
The coast tourism aspect can be promoted by campaigns projects within each EU country. Moreover, it was pointed that coast tourism can boost economy, though it must be promoted in an ecofriendly way in order to reduce the CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it was stated that the public should be informed about educational programs and it was proposed that the regional authorities should cooperate, seeing as national organisations’ participation is important.
Considering aquaculture the Commission suggests that it should be implemented in an ecofriendly way, as well, and welcomes the establishment of a coast guard to eliminate illegal fishing. Last but not least, the Commissioners urge a collaboration between the private and public sector in order to enhance biotechnology. It was highlighted that ensuring that the private sector will respect the national regulation as well as the European guidelines is crucial.
Furthermore, the Commissioners have visited their committees in order to make proposals over their working papers and comment on the moves made for the crises.
Ms Savvidou answered questions from INTA members about the negotiations and she proposed some points for the working paper. We could say that her contribution was notable.
The Commissioner Ms Petropoulou has pointed to ITRE the importance of collaboration and she has presented the European Commission’s recommendations to the topic. She stated that the proposing working paper is similar in some points with the recommendation.
The Commissioner Kourtelis has noted to AFET some mistakes in the foreign policy of the committee, made particularly by Belarus. NATO was also mentioned as well as sanctions to Russia. He suggested to the MEPs to be more specific about what they actually want to condemn, as the European Parliament cannot condemn any action. Regarding the reference to NATO, we could say that it is deemed as irrelevant because NATO is not a European organisation. In addition, the Commission is in favor of lifting partly the sanctions from Russia, with the condition that it will come with the intention to negotiate; for the time being sanctions will be endure.
