20/07/2005 – As the European
Commission discussed today the future of environmental
policy, Greenpeace, WWF, IFAW (International
Fund for Animal Welfare) and Seas at Risk
acknowledged that the Commission intends to
move forward with the overdue thematic strategies,
but regretted the cautious approach taken
to date and expressed concern for the future
of the European Marine Strategy, in particular.
The Marine Strategy is one of seven environmental
strategies due to be presented to the European
Parliament and the Council within three years
of the adoption of the Sixth Environmental
Action Programme, ie by 22 July 2005 at the
latest.
While it was understood to be one of two strategies
close to finalisation, two weeks ago the process
was put on hold by EU Commission President
Barroso, amid fears that the new rules could
be too costly for industry.
"By imposing a further delay on the
European Marine Strategy, the Commission is
burying its head in the sand. High environmental
standards are not an optional add-on; they
are a fundamental precondition for a healthy
and sustainable economy," said Saskia
Richartz of Greenpeace European Unit.
"Without an EU marine policy based on
environmental considerations, there is no
point talking about future growth potential
or more and better jobs, whether these depend
on safe and clean seas, non-toxic fish or
litter-free coastlines," she said.
"The European Commission must adopt
the Marine Strategy in September. The option
of merging it with the more general green
paper on maritime policy, due to be presented
next year, would mean giving total priority
to industry’s concerns and watering down environmental
standards in the already fragile marine ecosystem",
added Charlotte Mogensen, Fisheries Policy
Officer at WWF European Policy Office.
"IFAW sees no justification for the
Commission to postpone the Marine Strategy
considering its obligation to publish the
Strategy by 22 July as laid out in the latest
EU Environmental Programme", says Gaia
Angelini, IFAW's Political Campaigner.
Notes to editors:
• In July 2002, the Commission agreed with
the European Parliament and Council of Ministers
on the Decision (No 1600/2002/EC) laying down
the Sixth Environmental Action Programme.
An important element of the Programme is the
development of seven thematic strategies that
had to be delivered within three years, which
means before July 22, 2005.
• The Seven Thematic Strategies are related
to soil protection; protection and conservation
of the marine environment; sustainable use
of pesticides; air pollution; urban environment;
sustainable use and management of resources;waste
recycling.
