Yesterday, 24 May 2012, the Economic and Social Committee adopted the enclosed opinion on the Atlantic strategy by a large majority of votes cast (151 for, 2 against, 5 abstentions). Comments were very positive, with a large support to what we are doing (Commission work was praised).
The ECOSOC believes that 'the future of the EU goes through the development of macro regions' (sic) and that the Atlantic maritime strategy could be an important step in that direction. In implementing the strategy, they have a particular interest in balancing land and sea. The rapporteur made a pledge for the Forum to continue working overtime.
The ECOSOC intends to draw up another Opinion once the Atlantic Forum, as a first result of the Atlantic Strategy, comes to an end (beginning of 2013)
The ECOSOC will be officially sending the report to Commissioners Damanaki and Hahn and to the concerned Member States.