ABSTRACT
Policy developments concerning the framework of maritime transport within the EU, or between the EU and adjacent European countries, encompass two regulations establishing the freedom to provide international maritime transport and cabotage services within the EU respectively. They also embrace the evolution of 'soft law' activities, which are political agreements and statements, non-legislative policy measures, and the commitment to further EU action aiming to promote the competitiveness of shortsea shipping services in Europe. These 'soft law' rules are not legally enforceable but nonetheless guide the acts of the EU institutions, the member states, and those undertaking economic activities, (Wellens and Borchardt, 1989). This chapter discusses, and draws conclusion, on the findings from studying the transformation of shortsea shipping activities to a subject figuring predominantly on the CMTP agenda.
