In its communication following the Prestige accident, the European Commission repeated that the total level of compensation available should be augmented to €1 billion. Furthermore, in the communication, the Commission reiterates the need to introduce penal sanctions against any person – including legal persons – who has caused a pollution incident through grossly negligent behaviour. The Commission also reiterated its proposal arguing for the need to amend the international oil pollution compensation regime so that the right of ship owners to limit their financial liability will be abolished.