Revised rules on the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)

On 1 June 2023, the European Commission presented the maritime safety package, focused on introducing modernised maritime safety and security rules on port state and flag state control, maritime accident investigation and ship source pollution. The package also includes a proposal to revise the Regulation on the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The revised regulation would give EMSA new and more numerous tasks since the last major revision of its mandate in 2013 and aim to make it 'future proof'. It seeks to take better account of EMSA's current tasks and objectives, which means that the agency would be legally mandated to fulfil these and provide EU Member States and the Commission with technical, operational and scientific assistance, to ensure maritime safety, security and the maritime sector's green and digital transition. The agency would also be provided with adequate human and financial resources to fulfil its role. The European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), responsible for the file, adopted its on 7 December 2023, along with a mandate to open interinstitutional negotiations. During the March 2024 plenary session, Parliament adopted its first-reading position. The file will now be left to be followed up by the new Parliament after the European elections on 6-9 June 2024. Third edition of a briefing originally drafted by Karin Smit-Jacobs and subsequently updated by Monika Kiss. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.