Several MEPs called, on 20 March, for an amendment to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to compensate the sector during the coronavirus pandemic.
The European Commission published on 20 March an 'information note' giving guidance to EU Member States outlining existing tools and instruments available to support their local communities.
Gabriel Mato (EPP, Spain), together with the three French members of the Renew Europe group sitting on the European Parliament Fisheries Committee, Pierre Karleskind, Catherine Chabaud and Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, believe that the first measures announced (increasing the level of de minimis aid) are a first step in the right direction (see EUROPE 12451/15).
But they also ask the Commission to amend EMFF rules to allow compensation for fishermen forced to stop their activities because of the coronavirus (see EUROPE 12450/16). “The Commission must integrate the EMFF, given the exceptional nature of this health crisis, both for the temporary cessation of fishing and aquaculture activities and for storage. The total suffocation of these sectors must be avoided at all costs, and this, throughout the crisis”, say MEPs from the Renew Europe group.
The Commission’s information note provides details of the support measures that are available immediately and that can be used without delay. There are several possibilities, both under the current EMFF rules and through the 'Temporary Framework' for State Aid. The latter allows Member States to support affected fishermen and women and aquaculture producers by allowing aid up to a level of €120,000 per undertaking through direct grants, repayable advances or tax advantages.
The Commission has also proposed to mobilise the Structural Funds and the EMFF (see EUROPE 12449/7). Finally, it said it is exploring other options to support the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Link to the Commission's information note: https://bit.ly/39gBuSJ (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)