On 30 October 2013, the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER I) agreed on a compromise text for a Council decision supporting the ratification of the 2009 Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound recycling of ships. According to the Council Decision, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ratify or accede to the Hong Kong Convention without delay and within a certain time limit.

The official press release of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, announcing the agreement, is available here.

The European Parliament had previously adopted at its plenary sitting in Strasbourg a legislative resolution on a new Ship Recycling Regulation by a large majority of the votes. The adopted text is the result of a compromise agreement reached last June in Trilogue between the Council under the Irish Presidency, the Parliament and the Commission. The relevant ECSA news item, containing additional information, is available here.

The Hong Kong Convention was adopted in May 2009. To enter into force it needs to be ratified by a sufficient number of both flag and recycling states.