By Henrietta Billings - 17th February 2004
The European Commission has proposed new rules to protect EU ports from terrorist attacks.
A system for increased maritime security which covers ships and ship loading terminals has already been approved, and Tuesday's proposed new law extends the measures to ports.
The EU executive has focused on aviation security in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the US in 2001.
And Brussels sees sea ports as a vulnerable part of the logistics chain.
"With this proposal we are aiming to raise another important piece of the Community's defences against intentional illegal acts," said EU transport Chief Loyola de Palacio in a statement.
"They must not be easy targets because too much is at state: passengers, vessels, national and international trade and essential installations."
"Ports must be protected as much as possible against unlawful, illegal acts, including terrorist attacks."
Under the new plans, ports will be required to carry out security assessments, draft security plans and nominate security officers.
"They must not be easy targets because too much is at state: passengers, vessels, national and international trade and essential installations," added De Palacio.
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