Towards an integrated national maritime policy for Malta in light of its membership of the EU

Abstract

This dissertation intends to examine the techniques adopted by the EU in terms of maritime policymaking. The evolution of maritime policymaking takes into account the various cross-sectoral activities and interests which are directly or indirectly related to the maritime (including marine) environment and is mainly related to governance. The focus of the dissertation addresses the approach of the Integrated Maritime Policy. The EU Integrated Maritime Policy is currently inviting Member States to adopt a national version of the policy based on a nationwide discussion with stakeholders. The aim of the policy is to strike a balance between economic activities, competitiveness and maritime sustainability. The aim of the dissertation is to establish what the EU is proposing to its Member States. Numerous European documentation including Communications and other official documents, books, theses, and journals were consulted. The data gathered was assessed and commented upon. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the research questions which will be analysed in the subsequent chapters. In Chapter 2, an analysis of the development of EU maritime policymaking over the years is carried out. The analysis examines how the EU did attain such a complex level of policymaking. The aim is to identify who are the main actors and events which influence maritime policy over the years and the character of maritime policy. The focus on Malta and its participation maritime policymaking on the international stage is covered in Chapter 3. It examines Malta's role on the international stage in terms of maritime policymaking. Chapter 4 analyses Malta's new policymaking environment since joining the EU. A Green Paper and a Blue Book pave the policymaking pathway for the next years. The chapter intends to examine the approach that will be undertaken by the EU while analysing Malta's current options in this new scenario. The fifth and final chapter offers a concluding analysis of the Malta's position vis-a-vis a future national Integrated Maritime Policy. It attempts to identify whether Malta can afford to take the backseat in EU maritime policymaking.