I am now working on a project as part of the current UK Presidency of the EU, which lasts from JulyDecember 2005. We are aiming to create a joint action plan at European level, to increase the numbers of young people who join the merchant navy as a career. The aim is to solving some of the skills shortages which the industry will face across Europe in the next decade. At the moment, I am constantly going backwards and forwards to Brussels, but hopefully we will secure Council Conclusions at the Transport Council on 5 December, that will be actioned across Europe in 2006 and beyond.

Website: http://www.donaldstark.co.uk/EC18.html