Brussels, 13/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - The Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament (EP) opposes the call from most MEPs for further aid for fishermen to help them meet the high cost of fuel (see EUROPE 10377).
“Subsidising fishing boats' fuel, which is already tax-exempt, is simply encouraging a repeat of a type of fishing and an energy system that have proved not fit for purpose. Subsidies to the fisheries sector should firstly be directed towards conversion aid for forms of fishing, with, in particular, low-energy vessels and fishing methods. The political consistence of tackling climate change and reducing energy consumption cannot be contradicted by measures of convenience”, said Jean-Paul Besset (Greens/EFA, France).
In an alternative resolution to those of the other main political groups, the Greens/EFA call on the Commission to launch “a study of the effects of removing the member states' obligation to exempt marine fuel from taxation, introducing a minimum level of energy tax on marine fuel and including the maritime sector in the EU emissions trading system”.
The Greens hold the view that granting more public money to the fisheries sector because of increased fuel prices would send the wrong signal during the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP) and provide an incentive for vessel owners to use more powerful engines which consume more fuel.
The group believes that an increase in de minimis aid from €30,000 to compensate for the rise in fuel prices “would hinder the adaptation of the fishing industry to the inevitable continued increase in fuel prices that affects all sectors dependent on fossil fuels”.
International environmentalist organisation Oceana says it is “extremely disappointed” at the approval of the EP resolution calling for the de minimis ceiling to be upped from €30,000 to €60,000. Oceana says that such a rise could encourage fishing methods that use a lot of fuel and that are harmful (such as bottom trawling). The resolution, it says, will increase fishing effort, causing further harm to the already over-harvested European fish stocks.
“We must urgently give member states the possibility to help their fishermen continue their activity. In supporting my initiative, the European Parliament has reaffirmed its will today to maintain the current fishing activity and to safeguard this sector”, said deputy chairman of the EP fisheries committee Alain Cadec (EPP, France). He went on: “We are not asking for a change in the European budget, but for more flexibility on the ceiling of the de minimis aid that member states can grant to fishermen. It will in no case oblige member states to have additional expenses”. He called on the Commission to “take quick measures to respond to this request from the Parliament”. (L.C./transl.rt)