Cyprus welcomes EU package on maritime safety

Minister of Communications and Works Nikos Nikolaides welcomed the adoption of the third package of measures on maritime safety by the European Union Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE) Council.
The Cypriot Minister said that the third package strengthens the levels of vessel safety, as well as the protection of maritime environment and enhances the passengers’ rights as regards maritime transport.
Nikolaides said that Cyprus, “being a country of important maritime infrastructure and know-how, plays a leading role in shaping European maritime policy”.
“Cyprus, with its know-how and experience in the field of maritime transport, participated actively in drafting the third package of measures on maritime safety, since some of our positions, which aim at reinforcing the international maritime legislative framework and the international conventions, have been adopted”, the Minister said.
The Council also adopted a resolution on the European Data Center for the identification of vessels.
The Cypriot Minister called on the EU Commission, the European Maritime Safety Agency and EU member states to intensify their efforts for the conclusion of the European Data Center within the next six months.
On the sidelines of the Council, Nikolaides held a meeting with Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Transport Antonio Tajani, with whom he discussed issues of mutual concern.
He also met his counterparts from Poland and Denmark, with whom he exchanged views ahead of the assumption of the 18 month – term of the EU presidency July 2011 – December 2012.