The European Commission has proposed to increase the amount of EU financial support that Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) receive.
To do this the EC proposes to define RACs as bodies contributing to the European interest. The EU grant would cover up too 90% of their costs and the annual allocation would amount to €250,000 per RAC.
“RACs are fast becoming full players in the management of European fisheries. This is a positive development which must be encouraged. Their contribution must not be hampered by lack of funds. This proposal fully recognises the crucial role that they have to play in our common efforts to achieve sustainable management of our fisheries and to secure a more stable situation for the industry”, said Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
The EU financial assistance currently allocated to RACs is scheduled to decrease with each year of operation, coming to an end after five years. Funding would then be gradually found from other sources. However, the existing RACs have experienced difficulties in operating effectively within this financial framework. There are concerns that this situation could seriously hinder their ability to meet their objectives in the near future.
