Brussels, 10/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - As we announced (EUROPE of 10 February, p.13), the European Commission adopted a proposal on Thursday allowing EU fishing boats to be sent to parts of Asia hit by the tsunami last December. This proposal provides derogations to current rules under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) to “lift legal obstacles” to co-funding the transfer of fishing boats from the European Union to these areas. The final decision will be taken in light of the needs assessment currently being carried out by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The Commission also states that the third countries will have to apply to receive these boats.
It is worth noting that EU boats eligible for this action must be less than 12 metres in length and be between five and twenty years old. Under the proposal, the transfer of boats to the affected areas will be authorised until 30 June 2006. Aid to be granted to EU boat-owners will be those currently planned under FIFG for schemes to withdraw these boats permanently. The aid may be increased by up to 20% in two scenarios: to cover the expenses of public or private organisations tasked with sending the boats to the areas of the Indian Ocean in question; -to pay for the expenses incurred by the owners to bring the vessels up to the required standards.
At the same time, the Commission adopted a decision allowing the Asian countries which fell victim to the disaster immediate and longer-term technical expertise and assistance. EU and international experts will take part in the needs assessment in terms of rebuilding in the fisheries sector and aquaculture in the affected areas. They will also help to implement rehabilitation measures planned for the sector.