One of the seminars organised by the Belgian presidency will focus on maritime security. The oceans and seas hold the key to the economic development and the present and future prosperity and security of all nations. Europe has the second largest coastal area in the world, and maritime trade and the industries that depend on it are a major source of its economic development and prosperity. The EU is the world’s second-largest exporter and third-largest importer. 90% of European exports travel via maritime routes, and as a global player, the EU’s interests extend across the globe.
The importance of maritime security therefore goes far beyond the maritime domain alone, and is linked to other areas, such as the economy, energy, transport (supply chains), tourism, access to and conservation of natural marine resources, and critical infrastructure (including offshore and submarine infrastructure). Although essential, maritime safety is nevertheless facing a growing number of challenges stemming from traditional threats (e.g. piracy, geopolitical rivalries, overfishing) as well as new threats (organised crime, various forms of illicit activity taking place on the seas, such as smuggling and waste dumping), all of which require multiple forms of cooperation to provide sustainable responses.
The aim is to bring together experts from institutions, Member States and the private sector, as well as representatives of the academic world, to link maritime security to the challenges of space capabilities, as well as cooperation with third-party states (NATO, UK, NO, US), critical infrastructure protection, legal maritime issues, piracy and raising awareness of the EU’s maritime domain.
During the seminar, four maritime zones will be examined in terms of their maritime-related challenges. The seminar will include the perspective not only of the EU but also of international partners, academics and Member States.
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