MEPs, unions and business associations come together to save the European shipbuilding industry

Lehdistötiedote EPP Ryhmä

The European shipbuilding industry has a strong future, but Europe must not waste any more time in putting in place an effective crisis response. This is the key message of the initiative promoted today at the European Parliament by MEPs Ville Itälä (EPP) and Andrea Cozzolino (S&D), the European Metalworkers Federation and the Community of European Shipyards Associations.

Representatives of European, national and regional institutions, trade unions, business associations and civil society called on the European Commission and the Member States to intervene to grant a future to 500 000 qualified workers and thousands of innovative companies.

Already more than 42 000 jobs at shipyards and maritime equipment companies have been lost since 2008, a number that could grow dramatically in 2010.

All decision-makers must be fully aware of the dramatic impact of the global crisis. The European Commission has taken the right steps with the Leadership 2015 strategy, to set a path for growth for this strategic industry. However, no concrete progress was made on the crisis response package proposed in September 2009.

The maritime field is expected to come back to significant growth over the next years but Europe risks missing this opportunity because this important part of its manufacturing industry might not survive through the present difficulties without an immediate rescue plan to safeguard its potential.

MEPs and stakeholders requested an emergency programme including five elements:

- stimulating demand, starting with an eco-bonus scheme for the replacement of unsafe and polluting vessels over 30 years old operating in European waters;

- safeguarding ship financing with the launch of a European financing and guarantee instrument;

- supporting innovation and environmental protection, for example with a taxation linked to the environmental track record of ships and the promotion of new R&D investments;

- ensuring fair competitive conditions in Europe and worldwide with a decisive response to market-distorting actions taken by countries like South Korea and China;

- safeguarding jobs by proactively taking all measures required to maintain high levels of employment and skills.