The meeting of the presidents of committees of the EU national parliaments for maritime affairs, transport and economy was held in Athens on 16-17 March. On behalf of the Croatian Parliament, the meeting was attended by Mrs Nada Turina - ?uric, president of the Committee for Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure.
The main topics of the meeting were: "Blue Growth: sustainable growth of the blue economy”, “Connected Europe - EU transport policy: an instrument for growth and employment „and " Small and Medium Enterprises - easier access to funding".
Introductory presentations were held by Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism of Greece and Isabella Ryckbost, secretary of the Association of European seaports (ESPO) . The strategy has identified five areas with the highest potential for growth and a creation of new jobs: „blue“ energy, aquaculture, tourism, marine mineral resources and „blue" biotechnology.
The importance of maritime security strategy of the European Union was also discussed, together with the marine interests of the European Union at international level, as well as the risks and threats and ways to overcome them. It is expected that the promotion of this policy will further intensify during the Italian presidency of the EU and that year 2014 will be the year of the Mediterranean. In this sense, members of the parliaments in their discussions specifically addressed the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, which refer to „blue growth " and sustainable use of the sea as a resource for achieving sustainable economic growth and prosperity .
During the discussion, the Presidents of the competent Committees exchanged views on all aspects of transport policy of the European Union, which will contribute to the creation of the internal transport market, as one of the vital prerequisites for the economic growth and increase of the employment, as well as the competitiveness of European companies in the global market.
The final discussion regarding was regarding access to financing of small and medium enterprises. In 2013, 21.9 billion euros were invested to support small and medium enterprises. European Investment Bank intends to continue supporting the development of SMEs, particularly those based on new ideas and innovative technologies.
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