Revision of the Flag State Requirements Directive

On 1 June 2023, the European Commission presented a maritime safety package, including a proposal on a revised directive for compliance with flag state requirements. Revision of the rules is needed to take account of digitalisation, improve inspections and cooperation between flag states, and align with international rules on safety, pollution prevention, and working conditions, through inspections and surveys. This is to ensure EU flag states discharge their international law obligations. The proposal covers requirements for flag state inspections, based on International Maritime Organization rules. The objective is to improve maritime safety and reduce the risk of environmental pollution, ensuring that EU flag states continue to provide high quality shipping services. The proposal facilitates information sharing between flag states on the results of inspections and compliance issues in general. The European Maritime Safety Agency is to support this cooperation through revised training programmes for flag state inspectors. The European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) adopted its report on 7 December 2023. On 27 February 2024, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the conditions under which flag and port states check if vessels are safe to sail. Parliament adopted the provisional agreement in plenary on 10 April 2024, concluding its first reading. On 18 November 2024, the Council adopted Parliament's first reading position, thereby finalising the procedure. The directive takes effect on 5 January 2025, and Member States have until 6 July 2027 to transpose its provisions into national law. Fifth 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.