Brussels, 15.07.2004 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioner Franz Fischler announced to the press on Thursday that the proposal on a “Fisheries Fund” for the period 2007-2013 had been changed at the last minute to the benefit of small vessels and non-industrial fisheries. At the request of Commissioners - mainly Italian, Spanish and Portuguese - the College suggested on Wednesday that the intensity of public aid for small craft should be 20% higher than the benefits granted to larger vessels. The Fund will have EUR 4.9 billion available for seven years (from EUR 655 million in 2007 to EUR 752 million in 2013). For the rest, Mr Fischler confirmed the main elements of the proposal (EUROPE of 14 July 2004, p.12). In order to support restructuring of the sector, the Commission provides, among other things, for aid in favour of fishermen for: - suspension of fishing activities; - training, retraining or early retirement schemes; - the use of fishing gear with a lesser impact on the marine environment; - upgrading safety and hygiene on board; - and the permanent withdrawal of fishing vessels.