Revised rules on the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Karin Jacobs (1st edition).

On 1 June 2023, the European Commission presented the maritime safety package, focused on introducing modernised maritime safety and security rules on port state and flag state control, maritime accident investigation and ship source pollution. The package also includes a proposal to revise the Regulation on the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

The revised regulation would give EMSA new and more numerous tasks since the last major revision of its mandate in 2013 and aim to make it ‘future proof’. Furthermore, it seeks to take better account of EMSA’s current tasks and objectives, which means that the agency would be legally mandated to fulfil these and provide EU Member States and the European Commission with technical, operational and scientific assistance, to ensure maritime safety, security and the green and digital transition of the maritime sector. At the same time, the agency would be provided with adequate human and financial resources to fulfil its role.

In the European Parliament, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is leading the work on this legislative file. The Fisheries (PECH), Environment (ENVI) and Budget (BUDG) Committees have been invited to submit an opinion.

Versions

• September 2023: Revised rules on the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) (1st edition)