Despite differences on fleet aid, European fisheries ministers will try, on 18 June in Luxembourg, to reach a ‘partial’ general approach on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2021-2027 (see EUROPE 12254/4).
The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States to the EU (Coreper) discussed this matter on Wednesday 29 May and confirmed the differences in the EU Council on the modalities of aid for the renewal or modernisation of the fishing fleet.
The Romanian Presidency of the EU Council presented a compromise text on the post-2020 EMFF regulation which was supported by some countries, such as Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. These countries welcomed the provisions suggested by the Presidency extending aid for the purchase of a first vessel or the replacement of engines to vessels up to 24 metres.
But both the European Commission and Sweden have criticised the provisions on this public support on the grounds that this aid increases fishing capacity. France and Spain also supported an aid intensity of 50% (compared to 30% in the initial proposal).
The EU Council working group will continue discussions with a view to a debate at Coreper on 12 June. The objective is to bring the EU Council to a partial general approach on 18 June, without the budgetary elements that depend on the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)