Initiatives of the European Union relevant to Maritime Policy

By adopting a document for an Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union – also called the Blue Book on 10 October 2007 the Commission recognized that all matters relating to Europe's oceans and seas are interlinked, and that sea-related policies must be developed in a joined-up way. Progress report, 15 October 2009, on the EU's integrated maritime policy sets six strategic policy orientations for the future: integration of maritime governance, development of cross-cutting policy tools, defining boundaries of sustainability, development of sea-basin strategies, development of international dimension of the Integrated Maritime Policy, renewed focus on sustainable economic growth, employment and innovation.

EU policy actions include also integrated maritime surveillance and maritime spatial planning.

On 10 June 2009 The European Commission adopted Communication on EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region  first a comprehensive Strategy targeted on a 'macro-region' which addresses also maritime policy issues.

European Parliament resolution of 5 May 2010 on strategic goals and recommendations for the EU's maritime transport policy until 2018 emphasizes market, social, environmental and safety aspects of EU maritime policy.