information,assets and intelligence with the new European Border and Coast Guard Agency and with the European Maritime Safety Agency. The European Fisheries Control Agency has particular know-how and experience in the global fight against illegal fishing, which is often related to other criminal activities such as drug trafficking or smuggling of people and of weapons or other goods. Thanks to its international mandate, it has already developed a privileged network with third countries,in particular with Mediterranean countries such as Turkey,Albania,Lebanon,Israel,Egypt,Tunisia,Algeria and Morocco. Coastguard authorities carry out operational activities at sea,including border control,but also activities regarding maritime transport,fisheries control,customs,and marine pollution. Yesterday's legislative package therefore enhances the EU's response capacity at sea not only in relation to border management,but also to threats and risks of other major crisis situation at sea. |