Competitiveness, decarbonisation and digitalisation are the guiding principles that will serve as a basis for the EU's maritime transport policy up to 2020 and beyond. These principles aim to ensure that maritime transport remains an attractive way for transporting goods and people and becomes even more environmentally-friendly. It should also serve as a catalyst for investment and innovation.

Today's Council conclusions endorse the content of the Valletta declaration on the EU's maritime policy, which was adopted at an informal ministerial conference organised by the presidency on 29 March 2017.