Adapting the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to the Croatian fisheries sector

19.12.2013

Question for written answer E-014378-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Tonino Picula (S&D)

Immediately after the vote on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) in October 2013, I submitted a question (P-012231/2013) asking what specific measures and programmes the Commission planned to implement in order to support fisherman financially so as to enable them to adapt to the new provisions. Some of the new provisions call for the establishment of a more balanced relationship between fishing fleets and available fishery resources, for the reduction of fishing fleets, and — at the same time — for jobs in coastal communities to be assured.

In her response, the Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki stated, among other things, that the EMFF will most likely continue to support Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) through community-led local development in fisheries areas. It would be preferable for the EMFF to allow those groups to select projects that will strengthen the position of the fisheries sector in the supply chain and the local economy, or which will help to promote economic diversification and job creation through initiatives such as linking tourism and fishing.

As the newest EU Member State, Croatia is still in the process of drawing up plans to set up Fisheries Local Action Groups. In view of this situation, what specific measures adapted to Croatia does the Commission plan to implement with a view to enabling Croatian fishermen and the Croatian fisheries sector to participate on an equal footing in the new programme prior to the setting up of Fisheries Local Action Groups?

OJ C 275, 21/08/2014