Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and Transport Commissioner, set out the the Commission's priorities for passenger ship safety in a keynote speech delivered at a major passenger ship safety conference in Brussels. The priorities are based in promoting industry voluntary measures, intensifying enforcement and implementation; and regulatory measures. In addition, the Commission launched a public consultation in this subject.

The European Commission's priorities measures to improve the passenger ship safety have been announced by the EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas. The Commission has been working on the study of these measures since 2010. On the other hand, it launched a public consultation on the subject that will be opened until the 5 of July of 2012.

Among the measures proposed, there are the voluntary industry commitments such as the announced by the European Cruise Council in February 2012of further voluntary commitments going beyond what is legally required in terms of issues such as: route planning, security of bridge access and access to lifejackets on board. Importantly, the European Cruise Council commitments include the appointment of four independent experts to oversee the process and monitor progress and implementation.

Furthermore, the Commission considers as fundamental to require rigorous enforcement of the safety rules. The Commission has initiated, with the European Maritime Agency (EMSA), and as part of its ongoing work, inspection visits to monitor the implementation of maritime legislation, including in particular in 2012: the targeting of registration of passengers on board. The Commission is also working on a staged approach, with proposals planned for 2012 and additional specific measures possible in 2013. Shipping is by its nature global so a twin-track approach is necessary, working closely with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) – the UN body which sets international rules for shipping.