Brussels, 22/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - Tat Tuesday's Agriculture and Fisheries Council the Belgian delegation, supported by the Spanish, Latvian, French, Irish, Lithuanian, Cypriot, Italian, Greek, Estonian and Polish delegations raised the question of the repercussions on fishermen (particularly trawlers) of fuel price rises. Belgium has called on the Commission to launch a Community initiative. Member States referred to the possibility of a loan guaranteed by public funds and Community investments that facilitate energy savings (notably for engines). Spain suggested revising the “de minimis” thresholds on fishing upwards. (This kind of aid would allow an obligation to apply for Member States over a three year period to provide preliminary notification of national aid that does not go above EUR 3000 per fisherman). Germany pointed out that very firm position taken in October 2004 by the Commissioner at that time, Franz Fischler (EUROPE 8810). European Commissioner for fisheries, Joe Borg, took note of the interventions, while pointing to tax advantages for the fishing sector on fuel. He announced that the Commission had arranged a meeting in July with representatives from the European fishing sector but indicated that, “we are limited by Community rules on State Aid. It is necessary to find a long term solution as fuel prices are also at risk of remaining high in the future”.