"I warmly welcome the achievement of a position strongly championed by the European Parliament and that improves maritime safety in Europe" said Paolo Costa (Partito democratico/ALDE), Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Transport, commenting on the agreement reached today in Luxembourg by the EU Transport Ministers on the entire maritime safety package proposed by the European Commission.

"Over the last year, the European Parliament has constantly argued that ship-owners' liability and EU Countries' commitments in monitoring state flag vessels are the cornerstone of an effective EU maritime safety strategy. Finally, following months of intensive negotiations which have seen the European Parliament representatives stick closely together, also the Council has managed to overcome its internal reluctances and is now endorsing the European Parliament's approach.

Thanks to this agreement, Paolo Costa explained, we can now look more optimistically to the results of the conciliation procedure (which can finally start) although we are aware that there will still be further progress to be made".