Declaration of the European Parliament of 19 January 2012 on combating algal blooms
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which stipulates that Union policy on the environment shall contribute to preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment, as well as protecting human health,
– having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy,
– having regard to Rule 123 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas algal blooms, which are linked to eutrophication in coastal waters and estuaries, occur along all of Europe's coasts (along the Channel, the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Baltic and the Mediterranean);
B. whereas these blooms cause serious damage to the good ecological status of the waters concerned, to public health and to the economic dynamism of the areas involved;
C. whereas a European solution needs to be sought in order to address phenomena like this, which transcend national borders;
1. Calls on the Commission to draw up, under Directive 2000/60/EC, a European action plan on combating algal blooms that is based on the exchange of best practice and cooperation with those affected by these phenomena;
2. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories(1), to the Council and the Commission and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States.