An NGO Coalition consisting of amongst others the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, Greenpeace, WWF, German-based BUND and NABU, and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) has called on the EU to address the shortcomings of its Blue Growth Strategy.
Adopted in 2012 to create a sustainable marine and maritime economy, the NGOs denounce the Strategy for encouraging large-scale industrial development without protecting marine ecosystems or seafarers’ rights.
According to the NGOs, the EU’s Blue Growth Strategy does not tackle the real threats to the world’s ocean and seas, such as the rise of water acidification, marine pollution caused by ships and by land-based waste, plundering of fishing grounds, the dangers of aquaculture, deep-sea mining, oil drilling and exploration, and the disregard for labour rights on ships using flags of convenience.
They confronted the European Commission with their concerns during the EU Maritime Day, which takes place every year on 20 May. On this day, the European Commission invites thousands of stakeholders to discuss maritime policy issues.
