Environment Committee in the European Parliament underlined that oil firms must be held liable for the costs of any potential environmental damage - and have the means to pay - or else be denied licences to drill in EU waters. The Committee voted on 19 of September on the new legislation that will set minimum European standards for offshore oil and gas safety, regulating licensing, emergency plans and decommissioning of platforms.

According to MEPs in the Environment Committee, member state authorities should only grant licences to firms to explore and exploit offshore oil and gas if they have adequate financial security enabling them to pay for full clean up or compensation if there is fallout from their activities, especially for any environmental damage. In April 2012, Council's Presidency and Parliament negotiators reached an informal agreement to combat offshore pollution and piracy.

The draft offshore oil and gas safety legislation voted on 19 of September by the Environment Committee will set minimum European standards for offshore oil and gas safety, regulating licensing, emergency plans and decommissioning of platforms. Operators will be also obliged to reduce the risk of a major accident to the greatest extent possible.

MEPs also agreed that the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) should have a beefed-up role, with oversight powers for inspections and the capacity to provide member states with technical and scientific advice, or help in the event of a spill. Moreover, authorities should take into account companies' prior involvement in incidents worldwide - and the transparency and effectiveness of their responses - when granting licenses, said a MEPs' majority within the committee.