The European Commission adopted on 26 June a new Communication entitled “Partnership between the European Union and Africa - Connecting Africa and Europe: working towards strengthening transport cooperation” as a starting point of a strategic dialogue with the African Union. The principal aim is to identify concrete measures in the field of transport. The dialogue is meant to lead to a priority action plan. It further seeks to identify the financial instruments needed to improve transcontinental connections and the possible ways of cooperating and sharing experiences.

As regards the maritime sector in particular, the Communication states that the EU and the African Union should start active cooperation to enable port efficiency to be improved in three ways:
- Simplifying customs and documentary procedures without compromising EU safety and security rules,
- As regards infrastructure, to provide dredging support, increase port moorings and road connections between African ports,
- As regards port security, implementation of international standards (ISPS – The international Ship and Port Facilities Security code) and in particular to prevent unauthorised access to boats by passengers, goods and other objects.

Finally, compliance with international conventions with regard to environmental aspects should be made easier and the development of maritime ports should be part of integrated maritime policies, including maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal area planning instruments.

News source: TRANSPORTWEEKLY