Ships in EU seas should face dissuasive fines not only for oil spills, but also for sewage and garbage discharge, Transport and Tourism Committee MEPs say.
On Thursday, Transport and Tourism Committee voted to update EU rules on preventing pollution from ships in European seas and ensuring perpetrators face fines. It would ensure all international standards on preventing illegal discharges from ships, developed by International Maritime Organisation, become part of EU law and as a result become more easily enforceable.
Measures include:Wider ban on pollution from ships: Efficient penalties: More on-the-sport verification.
“The current EU rules do not work, because they are weakly applied by member states. This is unacceptable. It is time for member states to step up and protect European seas from the harmful effects of ships illegally dumping waste. It is necessary to effectively detect illegal discharges and set penalties at levels that serve as a real deterrent,” EP rapporteur Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP, Romania) said.
Next steps
The draft negotiating mandate was approved by 36 votes to one. Transport Committee MEPs also unanimously (36 votes in favour) backed a decision to start talks with member states on the final shape of the legislation, once plenary has given its green light next week.
