Doc. 8609
14 January 2000

Introducing measures to combat marine pollution by hydrocarbons

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Goulet and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The tragic events of recent weeks and the oil slick caused by the ERIKA shipwreck require that those responsible go beyond commissions of enquiry and talismanic speech-making.

2.       It is the responsibility of lawmakers to act without delay in an effort to ward off risks which, as all are aware, cannot be brought entirely under control.

3.       The wreck of the AMOCO CADIZ is still a vivid memory, and its impact on the ecosystem remains. Today, another slick is polluting the French coastline and yet another is threatening the Sea of Marmara.

4.       The introduction of machinery for international compensation by the petroleum industry (the IOPC Fund), which may result in payments of up to 1.2 billion FF towards anti-pollution measures and financial compensation, has distracted lawmakers from their real mission of prevention. The focus on cleaning up after disasters means that the need to strike at their cause and take preventive measures is being neglected. However, not only is prevention crucial in connection with pollution due to hydrocarbons, it is also feasible.

5.       Legislative measures must be introduced as a matter of urgency with a view to prohibiting and regulating certain practices.

6.       The chain of responsibility must be clearly defined so as to permit identical traceability to that required in matters of food safety.

7.       It is essential that the Council of Europe show unwavering determination in its defence of the seas and coasts, which, as the common heritage of humanity, are merely held in trust for future generations.

8.       The Assembly therefore recommends that the Committee of Ministers:

i.       urge member States to ratify international conventions on protection of the sea and oil pollution;

ii.       initiate talks without delay between all those involved in the transport of potential pollutants (hydrocarbons, gas and derivatives, chemical products, etc.), their carriers, environmental protection organisations and port authorities with a view to pooling views and proposals;

iii.       advise member States to pass legislation as soon as possible to prohibit certain practices, in particular the use by petroleum companies of charterers, sub-charterers and shipowners whose vessels fly flags of convenience;

iv.       call on member States to pass legislation on the conditions for validity of certificates issued;

v.       call on member States to set up national commissions charged with monitoring the application of international recommendations and conventions and introducing anti-pollution policies backed by appropriate financial resources.

Signed : ¹

Goulet, France, EDG

Belohorska, Slovakia, EDG

Ivanov, Bulgaria, SOC

Jakic, Slovenia, LDR

Keltošová, Slovakia, EDG

Popescu I., Ukraine, SOC

Pulgar, Spain, EPP/CD

Radic, Croatia, EPP/CD

Soendergaard, Denmark, UEL

Speroni, Italy, LDR

Toshev, Bulgaria, EPP/CD

Vermot-Mangold, Switzerland, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group