Ms Ciara Delaney, the newly appointed Irish Attaché on Maritime Affairs based in the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU, Brussels, outlined the Irish Government’s positive feelings on the benefits of a EUSA.
“The EUSA provided a unique opportunity for EU Atlantic Member States to work together to optimise the potential of their marine resources for job creation and sustainable growth,” Ms Delaney said.
The Atlantic Arc Commission (AAC) is one of the six geographical commissions of the Confederation of Peripheral Maritime Regions (www.cpmr.org) that co-operate to promote initiatives of mutual interest to their regions.
The AAC is also an active supporter of the EUSA initiative.
Mr Paul Nemitz, DG MARE, told the Assembly that the Commission intended to publish a Communication on the EUSA in the autumn and then initiate a dialogue with Member States and stakeholders to identify specific initiatives and implementation tools to be included in the EUSA Action Plan.
The Action Plan, he said, would be designed to optimise the unique characteristics and resources of the European Atlantic, including its significant renewable marine energy, bio-resources and tourism potential.
Implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Europe 2020 Strategy by Member States is central to the EUSA.
Also attending the General Assembly were Mr Joe Flanagan (Chairman) and Mr Gerry Lavelle (Programme Executive) representing the Border and Midlands and Western Region.
Mr Geoffrey O’Sullivan (Marine Institute) was also present representing a pan-European FP7 Project, SEAS-ERA, that is developing a Strategic Research Agenda for European Atlantic Sea-Basin as an input to the EUSA.
Government Supports EU Atlantic Strategy
IRELAND - The government has announced their support of a European Union Strategy for the Atlantic (EUSA) to the Atlantic Arc Commission at its General Assembly Meeting in La Rochelle, France on 10 June.
