As a member region for the CPMR – Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions – Southwest Finland was chairing a process of writing a political position calling on the European Commission to propose a European ‘LeaderShip 2030’ strategy for maritime industries.

This political position was developed under the guidance of Tiina Perho, Regional Advisor for the SouthWest Finland Region. Its development was based on the contributions of some 20 CPMR member regions, particularly the partner regions of the CLIPPER project where also Turku University of Applied Sciences is a partner.

The region of Southwest Finland is maritime by its core and a great part of the wellbeing of the region comes from blue growth and maritime industries, so the theme is very relevant for the region. In Europe as a whole there are currently about 300 shipyards and the sector employs directly 500.000 and undirectly 400.000 employees. A great threat would be to loose this industry outside Europe. Especially China has shown a potential to challenge Europe in this sector. In addition to economic importance the field is also important strategically (military fleet).

The political position echoes the publication last December of a declaration by 18 EU Member States. In the declaration, the Member States call for a new political impetus for industrial employment at European level. The Member States ask the future European Commission to define a strategy based on priority objectives to be achieved by 2030, as part of a long-term European strategy. Maritime industries are among the priority sectors identified by the Member States.

The political position of the CPMR states that the future “LeaderShip 2030” strategy must define a common framework for the many European policies related to maritime industries. This future strategy will also need to set ambitious goals in terms of protecting European interests through EU trade policy, State aid and competition rules, training and attractiveness of workers, prevention of social dumping, innovation for more sustainability and competitiveness of the maritime sector.

It should also help to facilitate synergies between investments co-financed by the regions and centrally managed European programs. The region, together with CPMR will continue its work in this area in the coming months, in cooperation with maritime regions and all stakeholders.

Text: Sonja Palhus
Photo: Maiju Oikarinen

You can download the ”LeaderSHIP 2030 – Towards a new European Strategy for Maritime Industries” policy paper here: https://cpmr.org/wpdm-package/leadership-2030-towards-a-new-european-strategy-for-maritime-industries/#