Press Release: European Maritime Day 2010: a genuine stakeholders’ event kicks off in Gijon, Spain

European Maritime Day is celebrated every year on 20 May. This year, Gijon will host the European Maritime Day Stakeholder Conference from 18 to 21 May 2010. The event, which is now in its third edition, brings together stakeholders interested in maritime affairs from around Europe. European Maritime Day was set up as a central event of the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy, launched in 2007. It aims to contribute to a new culture of cross-sectoral and cross-policy dialogue through strengthened stakeholder involvement, networking, and exchange of best practices. At this year's conference, more than 1250 participants will take part in a vast array of conferences, debates and specialised workshops to discuss state-of-the-art maritime tools and policies. Alongside Ministers and personalities from Spain and other countries, Commissioners Maria Damanaki (Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) and Janez Potocnik (Environment) will attend, and Commission President José Manuel Barroso will address the conference by video-link. Spain's Prince Felipe de Borbón, Prince of Asturias, will attend the conference on 20 May. In parallel to the central events in Gijon, over 40 maritime events will take place across Europe around 20 May.

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