TITLE IV

ACCOMPANYING MEASURES

Article 26Evaluation

1.

Member States must report to the Commission by 5 February 2007 on the progress in implementing this Directive and, in particular, the provisions of Articles 9, 10, 18, 20, 22, 23 and 25. Member States must report to the Commission by 31 December 2009 on the full implementation of the Directive.

2.

On the basis of the reports referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall report to the European Parliament and to the Council six months thereafter on the implementation of this Directive. In its reports, the Commission shall ascertain whether and to what extent the provisions of this Directive as implemented by the Member States are helping to increase the safety and efficiency of maritime transport and prevent pollution by ships.

3.

The Commission shall examine the need for, and feasibility of, measures at Community level aimed at facilitating the recovery of, or compensation for, costs and damage incurred for the accommodation of ships in distress, including appropriate requirements for insurance or other financial security

The Commission shall report to the European Parliament and to the Council by 5 February 2007 the results of such examination.