Representatives of the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the European Commission hope to reach a political agreement at their seventh negotiating session on Thursday 3 December on the modalities of the next European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2021–2027. The sticking points continue to be the details of fleet aid. The European Commission is very firm on avoiding subsidies that result in increased fisheries capacity (see EUROPE 12515/20).
The provisions, which depend on the negotiations over the proposal for a Common Provisions Regulation on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund and the EMFF will be placed in square brackets (before being discussed at a technical level at a later stage) and will have to be taken into account in the final figures for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021–2027.
The negotiating mandate of the EU Council was reviewed and presented on Wednesday 25 November at the meeting of Member States' ambassadors to the EU (Coreper).
Progress has been made during previous trilogues, notably on the subject of replacing and modernising engines. In respect of small vessels, the only requirement would be that the engine no longer has power in kilowatts (kW). Nevertheless, the European Parliament believes that CO2 emissions should be reduced. For ships of up to 24 metres, the percentage reduction in CO2 emissions is still to be defined (between 15% and 30%). Member States would need to ensure that all replaced or upgraded engines are subject to a physical check.
Acquisition of a vessel by a young fisherman. The European Parliament would be prepared to accept the EU Council's request to include, subject to conditions, support for ‘partial ownership’. In the event of acquiring partial ownership of a fishing vessel, the beneficiary would have control rights over the vessel by acquiring a minimum share of at least 20%–51% (exact percentage still to be negotiated).
Another topic discussed was the increase in gross tonnage of a fishing vessel in order to improve safety, working conditions and energy efficiency. There would likely be an agreement whereby vessels up to 24 metres would be eligible for support. The European Parliament is calling for existing vessels over 24 metres to also be eligible. The matter is still to be decided.
Regarding storage aid for fisheries products, it remains to be seen whether such support is possible in the event of a natural disaster, environmental incident or health crisis (request from EU Council) or a market crisis (request from European Parliament).
The question of support in the event of a permanent cessation has not yet been settled. Regarding aid in the event of a temporary cessation, the negotiators seem to be able to agree on a maximum duration of 12 months. However, this subject remains open ahead of the last trilogue.
Link to a preparatory document from the EU Council: https://bit.ly/2HE5rEN (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)