A new EU agreement has expanded the role of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to enhance maritime security by addressing cybersecurity, green transition, and emerging maritime threats. Following a provisional agreement between the European Parliament and the Council, EMSA will now provide support to EU member states and the European Commission in various areas, including cyber defense, pollution response, and maritime surveillance.
This updated mandate allows EMSA to tackle modern challenges such as cyberattacks on critical maritime infrastructure, moving beyond its traditional safety focus. The agency can also take on new responsibilities as risks evolve, provided these tasks are requested by the Commission or individual countries.
These changes are part of a broader EU legislative package aimed at strengthening maritime safety rules and enhancing environmental protections. The reforms ensure that EMSA is equipped with the necessary human and financial resources to manage its expanded role effectively, contributing to strategic resilience in an increasingly digital and geopolitically unstable landscape.
Established in 2002 and based in Lisbon, EMSA plays a crucial role in safeguarding maritime transport, vital for Europe’s economy. With over 2,000 marine incidents reported annually, the agency’s modernized mandate is expected to bolster the EU’s capacity to prevent disruptions at sea and support its environmental and security objectives.
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