In Europe, marine and coastal related activities have always played a major role in the economy and in social and cultural life, The European Maritime (policy promotes the further development of these activities, with due attention for the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources and for the impacts of global change and climate-related hazards.
The subscribing parties, representatives of maritime, marine and coastal networks, express their intention to engage in a cooperation process, which will support the European Maritime Policy in several ways: By assisting in the definition of policy priorities related to coastal and maritime matters; By cooperating on issues of common concern; By taking greater Benefit of the widespread available knowledge and experience in Europe; By making a more efficient use of mutual resources and investments.
The parties will strive for the establishment of a common European Platform with the following principles and objectives:
The platform initiative will start early 2009 with a broad assembly meeting, where existing maritime, marine and coastal networks will discuss future cooperation processes and structures.