Markovcic-Kostelac becomes first Croatian to lead EU agency

Pixabay (ilustracija)

Croatia's State Secretary for Maritime Affairs Maja Markovcic-Kostelac has been named head of the European Marine Safety Agency (EMSA), becoming the first Croatian to head a EU agency since the country joined the block in mid-2013.

The board of the Lisbon-based EMSA had appointed Markovcic-Kostelac for its director with a majority vote of member states, and she will start her five-year term on January 1, 201, the Maritime Affairs Ministry said in a press release on Thursday. She will replace Markku Mylly from Finland, who held the post since 2012.

The main purpose of EMSA, established in 2002, is to provide technical and scientific expertise to the European Commission and EU member states in the development of EU legislation on maritime safety, pollution by ships, and maritime security. It also operates a fleet of stand-by vessels for oil recovery.

Maritime Affairs Minister, Oleg Butkovic, said that Markovic-Kostelac’s appointment represented a great recognition not only for her professional work but also for Croatia and its maritime tradition.

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