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Scotland "Beating Heart of Europe"
SNP President
Ian Hudghton MEP today (Thursday) welcomed the publication of proposals
for an integrated EU maritime policy and highlighted the key role that
Scotland can play in Europe's maritime affairs. Mr Hudghton particularly
welcomed the Commission's acknowledgment that, whilst the EU can act as a
facilitator in creating a more integrated approach to marine management,
the maritime nations of Europe must retain control of competences within
their national waters.
Noting that
Scotland accounts for almost one-sixth of the EU's coastline, Mr Hudghton
commented that the Scottish Government can play a vital part in ensuring
Scotland's place at the centre of European policy development.
Mr Hudghton
said:
"The EU is
keen to promote the idea that Europe's seas should be managed in a more
holistic manner in contrast to the current situation whereby different
sectors often have little contact with one another. This approach is to
be welcomed as it acknowledges the inter-relationships between different
maritime users.
"Also to be
welcomed is the Commission's realisation that Europe's maritime policy
should not be managed centrally from Brussels. Management by central
diktat has been disastrous for European fisheries and so moves away from
that model must be seen as a positive step.
"The
Commission has recognised the vital role to be played by the maritime
nations in marine governance. Whilst some things, such as pollution
control, are best managed at the EU level other, more localised issues
should be dealt with by individual governments in co-operation with their
neighbours. In this respect the Scottish government has a vital role to
play, implementing a policy which can take account of the particularities
of Scottish geography, industry and law - whilst working alongside our
neighbouring countries.
"In their
proposals the Commission describes the seas as 'Europe's lifeblood'. In
terms of trade, energy, fisheries and resources Scotland can act as the
beating heart for that lifeblood".
Notes
The Commission's action plan on an Integrated Maritime
Policy for the EU can be accessed at
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/ |
