The marine environment and the EU strategy on the Baltic Sea Region
M2009.36
- Publication date:
- 01 July 2009
- Type:
- Information material
- Source:
- Ministry of the Environment
Summary
Information leaflet about the work on the marine environment and the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region during the Swedish Presidency of the EU.
By their very nature, the seas and oceans of the world are international areas requiring cross-border cooperation. There are several marine areas within the EU that are of considerable value in terms of fishery and tourism and the collective value of marine ecosystem services is so high that we simply cannot afford to lose them. Problems in the marine environment are closely linked to opportunities for economic growth. EU policy and legislation has a marked effect on the condition of our marine areas. The Baltic Sea is particularly sensitive and its environmental state is serious as a result of eutrophication and overfishing. Other marine waters within the EU also have major environmental problems. Our seas are adversely affected by activities such as agriculture, fishing and shipping. The EU is currently developing an integrated maritime policy and has a broad range of legislation regulating discharges and water quality.
Sweden will use its EU Presidency this autumn to spur on improvement of the marine environment. Sweden is making particular efforts to ensure the Baltic Sea as a pilot project, which will give it more rapid implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
