What changed

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

P9_TA(2024)0202

The conservation of marine biological resources is at the core of the Common Fisheries Policy as the fishing sector is a victim of marine pollution which includes, among many other sources, illegal discharges of polluting substances into the sea from ships.

Amending Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for infringements

Therefore, the Rapporteur welcomes this Commission proposal updating Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and the introduction of penalties for pollution offences.

Committee on Transport and Tourism

The Rapporteur points out that the definition of ship source pollution is outlined in Annexes I to VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, and its 1978 Protocol (Marpol 73/78), which are legally binding for the European Union. The enforcement of higher standards will ensure a level playing field for the shipping sector, which has a transnational dimension with positive effects on marine ecosystems and thus fisheries.

PE752.749

The Rapporter welcomes tighter emission limits; however, cautions that the inclusion of provisions on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts may have an impact on the EU fishing fleet, which is primarily comprised of ageing vessels belonging to SMEs with limited resources for investing in new low emission engines. The extension of the Directive’s scope to cover additional substances under Marpol 73/78 will need to be strongly reflected in the EMFAF with increased support for low emission engines and fleet renewal.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2024 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties, including criminal penalties, for pollution offences (COM(2023)0273 – C9-0187/2023 – 2023/0171(COD))

The Rapporteur urges the commission to support fleet renewal through EMFAF.

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The rapporteur also introduces a new definition to the draft and underscores the need for vigilance in areas with significant fishing activity, defending the dual cause of ecological protection and sustenance of fishing communities. The Rapporteur also calls for an informed maritime community, emphasising the need for education and training.

The European Parliament,

Finally, the Rapporteur also recommends that the inclusion of feedback from fishing communities and a collaborative approach with maritime stakeholders highlight the Directive's complete vision, aiming to balance ecological protection with the sustainability of fishing communities.

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2023)0273),

To conclude, in addition to achieving a level playing field among third-country fleets operating in EU waters, the Rapporteur hopes that this will facilitate coordinated controls by Member States, as well as prosecution and cross-border enforcement, ultimately leading to a reduction in ship-source pollution.

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 100(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C90187/2023),

AMENDMENTS

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

The Committee on Fisheries calls on the Committee on Transport and Tourism, as the committee responsible, to take the following into account:

– having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 20 September 2023,

Amendment 1

– after consulting the Committee of the Regions,

Proposal for a directive

– having regard to the provisional agreement approved by the committee responsible under Rule 74(4) of its Rules of Procedure and the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 28 February 2024 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Recital 4 a (new)

– having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

Or. en

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Fisheries,

Amendment 2

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A9-0365/2023),

Proposal for a directive

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

Directive 2005/35/EC

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – 7 new

P9_TC1-COD(2023)0171

Or. en

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 10 April 2024 with a view to the adoption of Directive (EU) 2024/… of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2005/35/EC as regards ship-source pollution and on the introduction of administrative penalties for infringements

Amendment 3

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Directive (EU) 2024/3101.)

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Directive 2005/35/EC

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – (c) new

Or. en

Amendment 4

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Directive 2005/35/EC

Article 5 – paragraph 2

Or. en

Amendment 5

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9

Directive 2005/35/EC

Article 8 – paragraph 4 new

Or. en

Amendment 6

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13

Directive 2005/35/EC

Article 8 d – paragraph 1 – (i) new

Or. en

Amendment 7

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13

Directive 2005/35/EC

Article 8 d – paragraph 1 – (j) new

Or. en

Amendment 8

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14

Directive 2005/35/EC

Article 10 – Paragraph 1 – (e) new

Or. en

Amendment 9

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14

Directive 2005/35/EC

Article 10 – Paragraph 2

Or. en

Amendment 10

Proposal for a directive

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15

Directive 2005/35/EC

Article 10b – Paragraph 2 new

Or. en