EU thumbs up for the Philippines?
We’re now almost entirely convinced that the European Commission (EC) won’t withdraw recognition of Filipino seafarer certificates. A scheduled visit to Manila by the EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency) team in early March tells our intuitive mind that the Europeans want some more justification for not imposing a ban on Filipino seamen. Opinion within the European Union is certainly divided, those against a ban fearing its impact on the EU maritime labour market. On the other hand, we don’t see ourselves jumping with joy should the EC decide in favour of the Philippines. No, we’re not being unpatriotic. (more…)
