MEP backs marine economy growth
A key committee in the European Parliament has passed proposals encouraging economic growth and jobs in the maritime sector.
The plans were laid out by influential Irish MEP Seán Kelly and were supported by many of the Parliament’s political groupings. Politicians voted 42-1 in favour of the proposals.
Speaking after the vote, which saw the Committee on Regional Development adopt Kelly’s opinion on the Blue Growth strategy, the parliamentarian said: “For a truly effective strategy, the EU needs to support local communities and entrepreneurs with funding. However, financing options must be provided on a regional basis so all coastal areas have the chance to access financial support.”
“I want to see direct supports for the development of aquaculture and blue biotech industries,” the Ireland South MEP added. “I have stipulated funding must be available under EU programmes such as the European Regional Development Fund, Horizon 2020, the programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs (COSME) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).”
Funding for maritime research, which will fall under the Societal Challenges of Horizon 2020, is expected to receive an estimated €4bn under the next framework programme.
The European Commission hopes the Blue Growth strategy will tackle the key challenges affecting the maritime economy, highlight policy co-operation and encourage economic growth, innovation and training. The opinion will now be considered by the Commission.
