EU fisheries ministers gave a somewhat warm reception, when they met in Luxembourg on Monday 18 June, to the recent proposal on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for 2021 to 2027 (see EUROPE 12040, 12039).
The Bulgarian Presidency of the Council asked delegations not to raise any budgetary issues (2021-2027 multiannual financial framework) which are the responsibility of the General Affairs Council. Nonetheless, some ministers, such as those of Italy, Poland and Portugal, protested at the 5% cut in the 2021-2027 EMFF budget (€6.14 billion at current prices).
Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella suggested that the proposed budget should be sufficient to “meet the challenges and achieve the ambitious targets”. He highlighted the preferential treatment afforded small-scale coastal fisheries, which will be eligible for up to 10% public aid.
Several delegations were unhappy that it is to be mandatory to use financial instruments to support investment in aquaculture and product processing.
The new Spanish minister Luis Planas was pleased that “we are moving towards greater flexibility and greater simplification”. He said that Spain would “examine the figures”. Spain is allocated by far the largest share of the cake, receiving €1.1 billion in total. With regard to small-scale coastal fisheries, Spain was critical of the 30% limit on investment aid.
Belgium wanted the new fund to focus on its core business (sustainable transition for the fisheries sector) and rejuvenating the sector. Hence the need for funding to renovate some segments of the fleet.
Germany, like many other countries, underlined the need to cut red tape and to make aid more flexible. It hailed the reference to the good ecological status of water and argued that inland fishing and aquaculture are very important. The Portuguese minister welcomed the requirement that 30% of the total EMFF budget be devoted to climate targets.
For the French minister, the main goal is simplification and said that some public support should be maintained: innovation and adaptation of the fishing fleet.
The Danish minister welcomed the proposal, stressing that it was essential to simplify the rules
Lithuania was critical of the lack of possibilities for supporting the restructuring of the fleet. In conclusion, Vella called on ministers to reach agreement quickly on the 2021-2017 EMFF in order to avoid delays.
CPMR complains about funding cut. The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) expressed alarm in a press release at the drastic proposed cut of 15% (at 2018 prices). The CPMR says that “the Commission’s proposals are insufficient to allow for a stronger partnership with regions”. It is also concerned that the list of ineligible measures includes the construction of new auction halls, and the construction and acquisition of fishing vessels, excepted for small-scale fisheries. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)