Doc. 8610

14 January 2000

Setting up an ad hoc committee to combat marine pollution by hydrocarbons

Motion for a resolution

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 take coherent measures as a matter of urgency.

2.       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.

3.       The introduction of a 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 vital in connection with pollution due to hydrocarbons, it is also feasible.

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

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

6.       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.

7.       In view of the Council of Europe’s activities to promote inter-regional co-operation policies, it must take part in combating marine pollution by hydrocarbons, which is an evil that shows no respect for borders.

8.       The Assembly therefore resolves as a matter of urgency to set up an ad hoc committee charged with:

i.       gathering from member States all necessary information for the introduction of effective and coherent legislation, especially, in respect of each country:

-       a progress report on the ratification of international conventions on maritime and coastal protection;

-       relevant information, where available, on shipping legislation, with a view to reporting to the Assembly which member and observer States would welcome Council of Europe help in developing appropriate legislation;

-       administrative, financial and legal data, where available, on existing and planned prevention policies;

-       the state of shipping;

-       information on any reported pollution incidents or accidents.

ii.       creating a dedicated website for the collection of all data relating to matters under its jurisdiction. The site, which is if possible to appear in several languages in addition to those in official use at the Council of Europe, shall record technical and non-technical information and information supplied by persons from all over the world on pollution-related incidents and the identity of those responsible;

iii.       giving a hearing to IOPC Fund and petroleum industry officials, officers from environmental protection organisations and representatives of local authorities in the member States which have had to deal with pollution by hydrocarbons;

iv.       drawing up guidelines for member States to co-ordinate their approach to this issue, which is of concern not only to countries with a seaboard but also to the entire international community;

v.       reporting to the Assembly on the information gathered and problems encountered while carrying out its mandate;

vi.       proposing to the Assembly, after adoption of the report, that account be taken of these issues in the work of the Monitoring Committee on member States’ commitments.

Signed:

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

___________________

       SOC: Socialist Group       LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

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

      EDG: European Democratic Group       NR: not registered in a group