Brussels, 12/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 12 May, the European Parliament (EP) called on the Commission to adopt “emergency measures to alleviate the difficult economic situation in which European fishermen find themselves”. MEPs gave their backing to a 100% increase in the ceiling for de minimis aid (aid that can be paid by member states without the Commission's having to be informed), even though the Commission has already come out against such a move (see EUROPE 10375).
In adopting a resolution on the European fisheries sector crisis due to the rise in oil prices put by the EPP, S&D, ECR, GUE/NGL and EFD Groups (by 369 votes to 203, with 27 abstentions), the EP expressed its concern at the difficult economic situation that many European fishermen are facing. It called on the Commission (by 358 votes to 222, with 18 abstentions) to raise the ceiling on de minimis aid from €30,000 to €60,000 per firm for a transitional period of three years, at the same time ensuring that: - environmental and social sustainability are not undermined; - and competition between member states is not “distorted”.
MEPs emphasised the need to make use of “all the possibilities and financial margins available” under the Community fisheries budget in order to finance emergency support measures for the industry. The EP called for the introduction of mechanisms to improve the first-sale price and promote the fair and appropriate distribution of added value throughout the value chain in the fisheries sector, “boosting the prices paid at the production stage and keeping prices for final consumers as low as possible”.
Parliament insisted that the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) should continue to grant aid to improve the selectivity of fishing gear and to replace engines on grounds of safety, environmental protection and/or fuel economy - particularly for small-scale coastal and traditional fishermen. It called on the Commission to draw up a medium- and long-term plan aimed at improving fuel efficiency in the fisheries (including aquaculture) sector. The EP also asked for: - an action plan for coastal regions and islands which have an active fishing sector; - measures that will allow fishermen to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. (L.C./transl.rt)