1. Ensuring freedom of navigation : an absolute necessity. Dimitrios Theologitis Head of Unit G2 European Commission DG Transport and Energy TREN.G.2 ARF seminar on maritime security - Brussels 19 November 2009 EUROPEAN COMMISSION

2. | 2 EU Maritime Security Policy. freedom of maritime transport. to load, to transport, to unload. UNCLOS, our common ground » international waters » areas of transit freedom of navigation

3. | 3 EU Maritime Security Policy The interest for Europe Some 25% of the world commercial fleet under flags of EU Member States About 40% of the world commercial fleet controled by EU interests Trade with Europe as a destination But also cross-trade

4. | 4 EU Maritime Security Policy freedom of navigation  Any unjustified limitation to the freedom of navigation is not tolerable.  This is true not only in Europe but also worldwide.  The liberty to maintain commercial exchanges is crucial

5. | 5 EU Maritime Security Policy freedom of navigation  Several types of instruments and tools at stake:  Civilian  Military  International  European

6. | 6 EU Maritime Security Policy freedom of navigation.Confidence building : With neighbouring countries But also with other countries ( major commercial partners at least).

7. | 7 EU Maritime Security Policy Civil or military reasons and tools for ensuring freedom of navigation (EU example). Regulation 725 /2004 on enhancing ship and port facility security. Directive 2005/65 on enhancing port security. Directive 2002/59 on VTMIS » SafeSeaNet » AIS, LRIT » MSS (Maritime Support Service 24/7) » Progressive integration of coastal radar images

8. | 8 EU Maritime Security Policy ensuring freedom of navigation. The result of a well-understood collective commitment among : » Ports and port facilities » Shipowners and ship operators » National administrations.

9. | 9 EU Maritime Security Policy Ensuring freedom of navigation. A strong national administration supported / stimulated by a supranational level = EU Level » level playing field » equal acces to services » solidarity (e.g. LRIT)

10. | 10 EU Maritime Security Policy Ensuring freedom of navigation  Deriving from our experience freedom of navigation is not given but is an achievement: » the culmination of different types of efforts at various levels » but the oceans do not belong to one single entity, therefore confidence between partners is key

11. | 11 EU Maritime Security Policy Thank you for your attention