European Fisheries Ministers should be able to reach a common position on the modalities of the 2021-2027 European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) (see EUROPE 12266/13) on Tuesday 18 June in Luxembourg.
The Romanian Presidency hopes that the EU Council will reach a ‘partial’ general approach (without the budgetary elements that depend on the next EU multiannual financial framework) on this dossier.
EU ambassadors (Coreper) discussed this issue on Wednesday 12 June. A compromise was reportedly reached on the modalities of aid for the renewal or modernisation of the fishing fleet. The Presidency presented a new compromise text that would have been supported by several countries, such as Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. The text provides for the extension of aid for the purchase of a first vessel or the replacement of engines to vessels up to 24 metres. But the European Commission, as well as Sweden, have criticised these provisions, which would increase fisheries capacity.
The text provides for an increase in the intensity of some aid from 30 to 50%, but some delegations (Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Austria) are opposed. Some countries, such as Portugal, Spain and Italy, have supported derogations to improve safety on board ships.
Poland has requested flexibility on aid in the event of cessation of fisheries activities, in order to take into account the problems affecting cod fishing in the Baltic. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)