Plenary speech on MEP Cadec's report on EMFF
Commissioner Damanaki participated in the plenary debate of the European Parliament focusing Tuesday evening on MEP Alain Cadec's report on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
Dear President, Honourable Members,
Less than a year ago, this House voted by a wide majority for an ambitious reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. That vote by Parliament was a major step forward. It allowed the three institutions to agree on new rules that will make our fisheries policy more sustainable, environmentally, economically and socially. This House was widely praised both within and outside the EU for its key contribution to the reform, and rightly so.
Tomorrow you will vote on how European taxpayers should support the reformed fisheries policy. That is, how Member States and the EU should spend nearly 1 billion euros a year from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Cadec, the shadow rapporteurs and all members of the Fisheries Committee for the comprehensive work put into the Committee's report.
I welcome very much the support the report gives to some of the key elements of the Commission's proposal, such as 1) measures improving the EU's control and inspection systems, 2) support for data collection or 3) the possibility to interrupt or suspend payments in case a Member State does not comply with the rules of the common fisheries policy. The Commission would also look favorably at further strengthening these elements, for example, by providing for minimum amounts of money for data collection, control and enforcement.
I also welcome some amendments of the report that materialise the common position of the Commission and the Council on support to young fishermen.
However, there are some amendments, which would represent a major step back in reforming our policy. This is the case for vessel construction aid. And let's be clear about this, the proposed amendment on "fleet renewal" is not about modernization or reducing capacity. It would allow, for the first time in ten years, to spend taxpayers' money on building new vessels. Such a measure 1) goes against the basic principles of the reform this House has supported just months ago, 2) would inevitably increase fishing capacity because new vessels are able to fish more even if engines are less powerful, 3) would crowd out money for more important objectives, such as gear selectivity or training because EMFF is small. Do we really want to spend EU money on building up to 21.000 new vessels that can each cost up to 3 million euros? I urge you to say no to this.
Finally, I understand that this House may decide to support fleet measures that the Commission did not propose, for example, scrapping or temporary cessation. My message is clear: any such measure at least needs to be capped. In other words, there must be a limit to the amount of money that Member States can spend on such measures.
Honourable Members,
Earlier this year, you have made a historic decision to reform the common fisheries policy. I urge you to continue on this route and help our fishermen and coastal communities to adapt to the new reality.
Thank you.
