¹Maritime Policy & Safety Unit, European Commission, 200 Rue de la Loi, B-1049 Brussels E-mail: Bernardo.Urrutia@cec.eu.int

Abstract

Over the recent years the European Union has deployed a significant regulatory effort in the field of maritime transport. Today (as of beginning 2006), there is a comprehensive package of common rules regarding key aspects of shipping. The progressive transfer of competences from the national spheres towards the Community in matters related to regulation of shipping is a noteworthy development, taking into account the traditionally very different approaches to shipping of the individual EU Member States. This article reviews the inception and main developments of the EU maritime policy over the years, examining the primary underlying factors.