Europe’s fishers have welcomed measures to help support the industry following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The European Commission recently published a legislative package for state aid measures and financial compensation under the new Fisheries Fund (EMFAF).
The sector, represented by Europêche and EAPO, has thanked Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, agreeing with him that speedy and flexible implementation of additional measures is needed to support those affected by the energy crisis and turmoil in the fishing markets.
“The sector certainly welcomes the European Commission’s rapid action to unlock funding so that member states can provide as a matter of urgency financial aid to our fishermen,” said Javier Garat, president of Europêche.
‘Reduce red tape’
“It is now fundamental that the Commission pushes national authorities to quickly put in place these authorised measures and reduce red tape to guarantee a level playing field. Equally important is to produce as soon as possible a guidance document for member states to better understand whether different aid schemes can be cumulated,” he added.
There is concern that financial aid might come too late to those who have had to completely cease fishing, so the industry is also urging member states to raise the ceiling for state aid as this is typically implemented more quickly.
Other measures to help include allowing vessels to carry over quotas, just as occurred when Russia annexed Crimea in 2015. “Fishing vessels have been in port for a long time and the fish seasons for certain species will be over soon,” said Esben Sverdrup-Jensen, president of EAPO. “To tackle the situation we need to provide fishers the option to carry over more than the existing 10 per cent of their fishing quotas to next year.”
