ISSN 1022 6559 22 April 1996 The contents of this bulletin are based on RTD-News, updated every day, and other CORDIS databases. SHAPING EUROPE'S MARITIME FUTURE COMPETITIVENESS OF E INDUSTRIES The European Commission, on the initiative of Mr. Martin (MARIS) initiative of the G7 group of industrialized nations Bangemann, Commissioner responsible for industry, has is also a major force for the development of information produced a communication entitled "Shaping Europe's technologies in the maritime sector. maritime future a contribution to the competitiveness of More specifically, the Community's recent initiative to Europe's maritime industries". create research/industry task forces in a number of priority This communication analyses the position of the various sectors has led to the creation of the "Maritime systems of maritime industries within the European Union, and then the future" Task Force, which should be a major catalyst for considers possible actions to improve their position in maritime research and development through the Community's specific RTD programmes. relation to the industries of third countries.