Briefing - Revised rules on the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) - 08-01-2026
On 1 June 2023, the European Commission presented the maritime safety package, focused on introducing modernised maritime safety and security rules on port state and flag state control, maritime accident investigation and ship source pollution. The package also includes a proposal to revise the Regulation on EMSA. The revised regulation would give EMSA new and more numerous tasks. The regulation mandates the agency to provide EU Member States and the Commission with technical, operational and scientific assistance, to ensure maritime safety, security and the maritime sector's green and digital transition. The agency would also receive adequate human and financial resources to fulfil its role. The European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) adopted its report on 7 December 2023. Parliament adopted its first-reading position on 12 March 2024. Following agreement in trilogue negotiations, the Council adopted its position at first reading on 15 October 2025. Following the TRAN committee's recommendation for second reading, Parliament approved the proposal at second reading on 13 November 2025. Published in the Official Journal on 29 December 2025, the new regulation enters into force on 18 January 2026. Fourth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Karin Smit-Jacobs and subsequently updated by Monika Kiss. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP