The Council of the European Union has scheduled an EU coordination meeting on 16 July 2026 at 10:00 CET via videoconference to prepare delegations for the upcoming IMO III 12 session. The meeting, announced in a notice of meeting, will be based on working document ST 11519/26, which is yet to be issued. Delegations must register their participating experts by 14 July 2026 by contacting the Council Secretariat to receive connection details.
The coordination meeting aims to align EU member states' positions ahead of the International Maritime Organization's III 12 meeting, which addresses implementation of IMO instruments. The videoconference format reflects ongoing efforts to streamline preparatory discussions while reducing travel costs. The notice does not specify the agenda items or policy issues to be discussed, but such meetings typically focus on harmonising EU positions on maritime safety, environmental regulations, and seafarer welfare.
EU member states' maritime authorities will need to designate experts and coordinate positions, potentially affecting their domestic shipping industries. The shipping sector may face aligned EU stances on IMO regulations, impacting compliance costs and operational standards. EU institutions benefit from coordinated representation, strengthening the bloc's influence in IMO negotiations. Civil society groups monitoring maritime policy may gain insight into EU priorities through subsequent meeting outcomes.
The working document ST 11519/26 will provide the substantive basis for discussions. After the coordination meeting, the Council is expected to adopt formal EU positions for IMO III 12, which will then guide member states' delegates at the IMO session.