According to the latest EU public poll on fisheries subsidies, published by Green Budget Europe (GBE), EU citizens are calling for changes to be made to how money is spent in the European fisheries industry.
The independent survey asked the opinions on EU fisheries funding of six EU member states. The results indicated that 76% want subsidies to remain untouched before proper fleet assessments have been carried out. 68% believe that subsidies should be put towards the maintenance and rebuilding of stock instead of fleet related issues and a further 80% do not agree with giving funding to fishermen who break fisheries law.
Sebastian Buschmann, research associate, Green Budget Germany, said: “Even though European fisheries subsidies have not received much public attention to date, the results of the public poll show that European citizens have a clear opinion on how their tax money should be spent.
He added: “It is striking that the participants’ responses indicate how EU citizens would like fundamental changes to the existing policy and position of governments in the ongoing reform of the CFP and the subsidies regime.”
Many believe subsidies should be used for public services such as collecting data and combating illegal fishing rather than for individual fishermen.
EU Fisheries Ministers will meet to reach an agreement on 22 and 23 October.
