Vella participates in Euromaritime Business Forum 2015

The European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, will today attend a major European marine conference.

The Euromaritime Business Forum event takes place across three days in Paris, France, and attracts more than 100 speakers. It encourages debate and discussion within industry and includes two major trade fairs, ‘Euromaritime’ and ‘Eurowaterways’, and 13 workshops.

The  commissioner, along with Alain Vidalies, French State Secretary for Transport, Sea and Fisheries, and Gesine Meissner, the president of the Intergroup on Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas for the European Parliament, will open the exhibition.

Speaking ahead of the event, Vella said: “In our shared European history, a strong and sustainable maritime sector has always been a pillar of the economy. The sector can play a vital role in job creation, investment, and the economic fight back.”

During his address to delegates, the commissioner will present the potential of Europe in becoming a world leader in the Maritime Economy and how areas such as ocean energy and aquaculture can be supported through the new Investment Plan for Europe, Horizon 2020 and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

The event takes place between 3-5 February 2015.