On 8 June 2012, Markku Mylly, CEO of the Finnish Port Association and former Director-General of the Finnish Maritime Administration, was appointed the new Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). His term as Executive Director will last 5 years.
"This is the first time a Finn has been appointed as the Executive Director of an EU transport agency. I believe that this demonstrates that we are seen as trustworthy," Merja Kyllönen Minister of Transport said when congratulating Mr Mylly.
The EMSA's Administrative Board appointed the Executive Director with 4/5 majority vote. Each EU Member State holds one vote in the Administrative Board and the Commission holds four votes. Tuomas Routa Director-General of the Finnish Transport Safety Agency represents Finland on the board (deputy member Senior Adviser Anna Sotaniemi from the Ministry of Transport and Communications). Frans Van Rompuy from Belgium is Chairman of the Administrative Board.
The European Maritime Safety Agency's (EMSA) mission is to help EU Member States and the Commission promote maritime safety, reduce the risk of maritime accidents and prevent vessel-based marine pollution. Additionally, the EMSA assists Member States in uniform implementation of EU legislation and the Commission in its monitoring of Member States' implementation of the Commission's legislation.
The agency is primarily based in Lisbon and it employs approximately 200 people. The agency's annual budget is approximately 55 million euros.
Further information:
Senior Adviser Silja Ruokola tel. +358 295 34 2367
Senior Adviser Anna Sotaniemi tel. +358 295 34 2491
