The consequences of modern piracy are great, and it is difficult to put a stop to the problem. Minister for Business and Growth Ole Sohn and several other important stakeholders take part in the EU Presidency Conference on 28 March 2012.
The conference focuses on the problems that piracy creates for the shipping industry and the seafarers. It highlights the challenges faced by the shipping industry and the seafarers due to piracy off the Horn of Africa and in the Indian Ocean, specifically.
Minister for Business and Growth Ole Sohn:
The problem of piracy affects all of us. It has great human and economic consequences for those directly involved.
I hope we will be able to reach consensus with regard to the longterm measures that can be taken by the EU and the global community. Further, I hope we can create more clarity over the concrete challenges to the industry. It is important, not least, to look at how vessels can best be protected against piracy, and if more can be done in this regard.
In this regard, the increased use of privately contracted armed guards is of course a relevant topic for discussion, including how we ensure quality. Additionally, we will also discuss the human cost of piracy at the conference, and how we can best protect the seafarer.
The conference is held by the Commission together with the Danish EU Presidency. Vice-President and European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas and Secretary-General of the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) Koji Sekimizu also attend the conference.
Speech by Ole Sohn