Brussels, 07/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 7 April, the European Parliament's fisheries committee adopted the report by Alain Cadec (EPP, France) approving the compromise text on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). This fund has €6.4 billion for 2014-2020 (see EUROPE 11007). Cadec's report (first reading agreement on the EMFF regulation) was adopted by 17 votes to 2; there were no abstentions.
The EMFF saga is now drawing to a close. The European Parliament still has to approve the text in plenary in the middle of April (16 April is the date currently planned) and the Council will have to do likewise, afterwards. The main elements of the EMFF are:
Engine renewal. Aid for engine renewal involves withdrawing, replacing or modernising engines for vessels up to 24 metres long but only for balanced capacity segments. Reduction in the power of the engine is required (none for less than 12 metres, -20% for 12-18 metres and-30% for 18-24 metres). Member states will have to reserve 60% of the envelope for small-scale coastal fishing
Start-up aid. This is for fishermen who are under 40 years of age purchasing a boat for the first time (less than 24 metres). Maximum aid €75,000 and 25% of the purchase cost.
Decommissioning. Two options: 1) aid for scrapping until 31 December 2017; 2) re-using vessels for activities other than fishing.
Temporary halts to fishing. Aid is possible (for a maximum of six months per boat) in the event of temporary halts to fishing or the non-renewal of fishing agreements.
Mutual funds. Contribution to insurance schemes to compensate losses due to bad weather, natural disasters or environmental accidents. Losses must be above 30% of annual turnover.
Shellfish farming. Compensation for producers in the event of exceptional massive mortality rates of shellfish when mortality rates are above 20% or when losses are worth more than 35% of the annual turnover.
Temporary halts to fishing, removal from the fishing fleets and engine replacements will be subject to a €6 million ceiling per member state. (LC)