In its Plenary-session last week European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) welcomed the European Parliament’s adoption of the Recommendations on the 2010 Protocol to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea. Patrick Verhoeven, ECSA Secretary General, said: “We welcome this decision as we are now one step closer to the closure of the EU legislative process by the adoption of the Council Decision allowing for the Member States to ratify and accede to the Convention”, adding that “we strongly support the Convention and urge its early entry into force”.
The 2010 HNS Convention has parts of it falling under the exclusive competence of the EU, so member states need to be authorized through a Council Decision to be able to ratify or accede to it. The EU legislative procedure requires the authorization of the Council and the consent of European Parliament.