Does Romania need a Maritime Policy and a Maritime Strategy?- Editorial
Note:This editorial presents some of the issues addressed in a wide-ranging study by the Maritime Security Forum to be published in March.
Maritime Policy, Maritime Strategy, Naval Policy and Naval Strategy: definition, elements, differences and importance
Often, in the current language used by Romanian maritime specialists, terms are used that do not have the same meaning. There is a need to clarify, or rather, to standardise terminology, in order to be in line with international terminology in terms of meaning and content.
Shipping is the backbone of international trade and the global economy. More than 80% of the volume of international trade in goods is transported by sea, and the percentage is even higher for most developing countries. As much as 99% of land-based communications are provided by submarine cable infrastructure, not to mention oil, gas, photovoltaic, wind and mineral resources. Hence the need for a pragmatic approach to the paradigm of the defended (secured) asset, the maritime one in our case.
A functional Romania means a secure country that offers its citizens all the conditions necessary to live a better life in complete safety and that protects its identity, values, heritage and resources, as well as the parameters of the rule of law.
National security policy, together with foreign policy, is one of the public policies whose formulation and implementation is the constitutional and legal prerogative of President of Romania.
National security policy cannot be the expression of the will of a single person, although it is the result of a process that materialises through the powers of the President of Romania. It must be built on fundamental values and benchmarks, an expression of consensus and common national effort.
Strategy is a chosen plan for achieving organisational goals. It is a combination of well thought out intentions and actions that lead to the desired position or destination. It is a unified and integrated plan made to achieve basic business objectives such as:
– Effectiveness
– Dealing with events and problems
– Seizing opportunities
– Full use of resources
– Dealing with threats
Strategy is a combination of flexible actions by which an organisation (state or company) can compete with its rivals.
Characteristics of a Strategy:
– It should be formulated from top level management. However, sub-strategies can be made by middle level management.
– It should have a long-term perspective.
– It should be dynamic in nature.
– The main aim is to overcome uncertain situations.
– It should be done in such a way to make the best use of resources.
Policy is defined as a set of principles and rules that direct an organisation’s decisions. Policies are framed by the organisation’s senior management to serve as a guide for operational decision-making. It is useful in outlining the rules, values and beliefs of the organization. In addition, it acts as a basis for guiding actions. Policies are conceived as a general view of a number of people in an organisation about different situations. They are made from experience and basic understanding. In this way, people who come within the scope of such a policy will be in complete agreement on its implementation.
Policies help management to determine what should be done, in a given situation. They need to be applied consistently over a long period of time to avoid discrepancies and overlaps.
In summary, we can say that Policy refers to the general principles and guidelines that govern the work of an organisation or institution. It sets the framework within which actions and decisions are taken and provides a general direction for future actions.
Strategy refers to the concrete plans and actions by which an organisation or institution achieves its objectives. It involves consideration of the context in which the organisation operates and the means by which it can achieve its objectives.
In general, policy provides general guidelines for setting strategy, while strategy specifies the concrete way in which objectives will be achieved taking into account the context in which the organisation operates.
And now let’s turn to the maritime domain, giving some definitions and listing the elements of Maritime Policy, Maritime Strategy, Naval Policy and Naval Strategy and their elements.
Maritime Policy is the set of laws, rules and guidelines used by a country or organisation to govern its maritime activities and interests. These can include issues such as trade, navigation, resource management and environmental protection. Maritime policy can be developed at national or international level and can cover a wide range of issues related to the use and management of oceans, seas and inland waters.
In general, maritime policy aims to protect and promote the maritime interests of a country or organisation and to manage aquatic resources responsibly. It may also include measures for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the maritime field, such as through international treaties or agreements.
The elements of a maritime policy may vary according to the specific context and objectives pursued, but in general a maritime policy may include the following elements:
1. Objectives: Maritime policy should clearly define the objectives it seeks to achieve, such as increasing trade, protecting the marine environment, maritime security, etc.
2. Law: Maritime policy should set out the legal framework governing maritime activities, including rules on trade, navigation, fisheries, etc.
3. Resources: Maritime policy should identify how maritime resources such as water, energy, fish, etc. will be managed and used.
4. International cooperation: Maritime policy must set out how the country will cooperate with other countries in the maritime field through international treaties and agreements.
5. Security: Maritime policy must address maritime security issues such as piracy, terrorism, smuggling, etc.
6. Marine environment: Maritime policy must provide for measures to protect the marine environment and for the responsible management of aquatic resources.
7. Economic development: Maritime policy can include measures to support economic development through maritime activities such as trade and tourism.
Romania has an important geographical position with access to the Black Sea and Danube, which are important for international trade, shipping and energy. Therefore, Romania needs a maritime policy that allows it to manage and exploit these resources and opportunities. Maritime policy can contribute to Romania’s economic development and increased competitiveness, as well as to the protection of the environment and the security of the country.
Concepts and definitions
Maritime strategy is a well-defined plan of action aimed at achieving specific objectives related to the maritime interests of a country or organisation. It may include both military and non-military actions and may involve the use of various resources such as ships, aircraft and personnel. Maritime strategy is usually developed in response to specific threats or challenges and can be used to address a variety of issues such as piracy, terrorism, smuggling and other forms of maritime crime.
In general, maritime strategy aims to protect and promote the maritime interests of a country or organisation and to ensure maritime security. It may also include measures for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the maritime field, such as through international treaties or agreements.
The elements of a maritime strategy may vary depending on the specific context and objectives pursued, but in general a maritime strategy may include the following elements:
1. Objectives: The maritime strategy should clearly define the objectives it seeks to achieve, such as protecting the country’s maritime interests, combating piracy or smuggling, etc.
2. Means: The maritime strategy should determine how the resources needed to achieve the objectives will be used, such as ships, aircraft, personnel, etc.
3. Risks: The maritime strategy should consider potential risks and threats to maritime security, such as piracy, terrorism, etc., and establish measures to address them.
4. Partners: The Maritime Strategy may include measures for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the maritime field, such as through international treaties or agreements.
5. Action Plan: The Maritime Strategy should determine the steps needed to achieve the objectives and set out the responsibilities and resources needed for each step.
6. Evaluation: The Maritime Strategy should provide for ways to evaluate progress towards the objectives and to adapt to changes that may occur.
In summary, a maritime strategy is a well-defined plan of action aimed at achieving specific objectives related to the maritime interests of a country or organisation.
Maritime policy refers to the set of laws, rules and guidelines used by a country or organisation to govern its maritime activities and interests. This can include issues such as military naval operations, maintenance and modernisation of the naval fleet, naval cooperation with other countries, etc. Naval policy can be developed at national or international level and can cover a wide range of issues related to the use and management of a country’s or organisation’s naval forces.
In general, naval policy aims to protect and promote the naval interests of a country or organisation and to ensure naval security. It may also include arrangements for cooperation with other countries or organisations in naval matters, through international treaties or agreements.
The elements of a naval policy may vary according to the specific context and objectives pursued, but in general a naval policy may include the following elements:
1. Objectives: Naval policy should clearly define the objectives it seeks to achieve, such as protecting the country’s naval interests, ensuring naval security, etc.
2. Fleet: The naval policy must set out how a country’s fleet will be built up and maintained, adapted to national needs, and how ships and crews will be used.
3. International cooperation: Naval policy may include measures for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the naval field, such as through international treaties or agreements.
Resources: Naval policy should determine how naval resources, such as budget and personnel, will be managed and used.
Naval strategy is the well-defined plan of action aimed at achieving specific objectives related to a country’s or organisation’s naval interests. This may include both military and non-military actions and may involve the use of various resources such as ships, aircraft and personnel. Naval strategy is usually developed in response to specific threats or challenges and can be used to address a variety of problems such as piracy, terrorism, smuggling and other forms of maritime crime.
In general, naval strategy aims to protect and promote the naval interests of a country or organisation and to ensure naval security. It may also include measures for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the naval field, such as through international treaties or agreements.
The elements of a naval strategy may vary depending on the specific context and objectives pursued, but in general, a naval strategy may include the following elements:
1. Objectives: The naval strategy should clearly define the objectives it seeks to achieve, such as protecting the country’s naval interests, ensuring naval security, etc.
2. Means: The naval strategy must determine how the resources needed to achieve the objectives will be used, such as ships, aircraft, personnel, etc.
3. Risks: The naval strategy must consider potential risks and threats to naval security, such as piracy, terrorism, etc., and establish measures to address them.
4. Partners: The naval strategy may include arrangements for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the naval field, such as through international treaties or agreements.
Maritime security policy refers to the set of laws, rules and guidelines used by a country or organisation to govern its maritime security activities and interests. This can include issues such as piracy, terrorism, smuggling, etc., as well as measures to combat these threats. Maritime security policy can be developed at national or international level and can cover a wide range of maritime security issues.
In general, maritime security policy aims to protect and promote the maritime interests of a country or organisation and to ensure maritime security. It may also include measures for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the field of maritime security, such as through international treaties or agreements.
The elements of a maritime security policy may vary depending on the specific context and objectives pursued, but in general a maritime security policy may include the following elements:
1. Objectives: The maritime security policy should clearly define the objectives it seeks to achieve, such as protecting the country’s naval interests, ensuring naval security, combating piracy, etc.
2. Means: The maritime security policy should determine how the resources needed to achieve the objectives, such as ships, aircraft, personnel, etc., will be used.
3. Risks: Maritime security policy must consider potential risks and threats to maritime security, such as piracy, terrorism, etc., and establish measures to address them.
4. Partners: Maritime security policy may include measures for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the field of maritime security, such as through international treaties or agreements.
5. Action plan: The maritime security policy should determine the steps necessary to achieve the objectives and set out the responsibilities and resources required for each step.
6. Evaluation: The maritime security policy should provide for ways to evaluate progress towards the objectives and to adapt to changes that may occur.
The maritime security strategy is the well-defined plan of action aimed at achieving specific objectives related to the maritime security of a country or organisation. These may include both military and non-military actions and may involve the use of various resources such as ships, aircraft and personnel. Maritime security strategy is usually developed in response to specific threats or challenges and can be used to address a variety of issues such as piracy, terrorism, smuggling and other forms of maritime crime.
In general, maritime security strategy aims to protect and promote the maritime interests of a country or organisation, as well as ensure maritime security. It may also include measures for cooperation with other countries or organisations in the field of maritime security, such as through international treaties or agreements.
Elements of a maritime security strategy may include:
1. Protection of marine resources and the marine environment, such as conservation of biodiversity and protection of the marine environment from pollution.
2. Protection of maritime economic interests, such as ensuring open access to marine resources and maritime markets.
3. Protection of commercial navigation and safety of navigation in territorial waters and other areas of strategic interest.
4. Defending against threats to maritime security such as piracy, maritime terrorism and smuggling.
5. Ensuring cooperation with other states and international organisations in the field of maritime security.
6. Develop military and naval capabilities to carry out maritime security missions.
Does Romania need a Maritime Policy and a Maritime Strategy?
Yes, Romania needs a Maritime Policy and Maritime Strategy to maximise the economic and environmental benefits of the country’s maritime areas and to effectively manage aquatic and coastal resources, the economic, social and environmental benefits of maritime activities and to protect national interests in maritime areas. A well-developed maritime policy and strategy could help develop maritime industries, improve regional cooperation and effectively manage marine resources.
Yes, Romania needs a maritime policy and a maritime strategy, as they are essential to maximise the economic and environmental benefits of the country’s maritime areas and to effectively manage aquatic and coastal resources. A well-formulated maritime policy and strategy could also contribute to increasing maritime safety and protecting the marine environment.
The economic benefits of regulated maritime areas can include:
– The extraction of marine resources such as fish, shellfish and algae, which can be sold as food or used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry
– Coastal tourism, which can generate tax revenue and tourist expenditure
– Exploitation of energy resources, such as wind or wave power, which can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
– Shipping, which can reduce logistics costs and help increase international trade
The environmental benefits of maritime areas can include:
– Protecting marine biodiversity and habitats such as coral reefs, which can support marine species and contribute to ecological balance
– Stabilising coastal erosion and flooding, which can protect coastal properties and communities
– Controlling marine pollution, such as plastic pollution or chemical waste, which can protect marine species and help maintain water quality.
As a legislative mechanism for adopting a maritime policy for Romania, there may be options depending on the context and existing legal provisions. In general, the simplistic process could include several steps.
The first step would be the development of a draft law or strategic plan by the Ministry of Transport and/or the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with other relevant government departments, such as those in the Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of Economy.
Debate the draft or plan in Parliament, where it can be subject to public consultation and debate. Approval of the draft or plan by Parliament, by a majority vote of MPs. Promulgation of the draft or plan by the President of Romania.
Implementation of the policy or strategy by the responsible government departments through a detailed action plan and a monitoring and reporting mechanism.
Regular evaluation and review of the policy or strategy to ensure that it meets the country’s current needs and objectives.
Knowing that a slightly different terminology is used worldwide than in Romania, we will have to make a brief analysis of them. Thus, in Romania, due to the specific existence of the maritime area, the river area, the Danube Delta, the Danube-Black Sea navigable channel, the terms: maritime – with reference only to the Black Sea and the Planetary Ocean sector, fluvial – with reference to the Maritime and Fluvial Danube and the term naval, are usually used to combine the two.
In order to make a correlation between national and international terminology, we believe that international terminology, which has other meanings, should be adopted. Thus, when we speak of maritime, we should also include navigation on rivers and inland waters, and the use of the term naval should refer only to the military side.
Thus, the maritime sector includes activities that take place in or in connection with marine areas, such as:
– Commercial shipping and maritime transport, which includes the transport of goods and passengers by sea
– Sea fishing, which includes catching fish, shellfish and other marine species
– Exploitation of marine resources, such as the extraction of oil or gas from deep waters or the exploitation of marine minerals
– Marine tourism, which includes cruises, beach holidays and recreational activities at sea
– Marine energy exploitation, such as wind or wave energy
– Protection of the marine environment, such as conservation of marine species, habitats and aquatic ecosystems
The river sector includes similar activities that take place on rivers, lakes and canals, such as:
– Commercial navigation and inland waterway transport, which includes the transport of goods and passengers on rivers and canals
– River fishing, which includes the catching of fish, crustaceans and other species from the waters of rivers and lakes
– Exploitation of river resources, such as the extraction of hydropower or minerals from river waters
– River tourism, including river and lake cruises and recreational activities on rivers and lakes
– Protection of the river environment, such as conservation of aquatic species, habitats and river ecosystems.
These are starting points for a broader analysis to provide arguments in favour of the development and adoption of a National Maritime Policy, and on this basis, a National Maritime Strategy.
Analysis of the Maritime Security Forum
29 January 2023