Exploiting research and development potential in the blue economy to create jobs and growth

4.7.2017

Question for written answer E-004496-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

European Parliament resolution of September 2015 on untapping the potential of research and innovation in the blue economy to create jobs and growth (2014/2240(INI)), of which I was rapporteur,

— points out that the Commission communication entitled ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’ is limited in scope and does not cover all sectors making up the blue economy. It calls on the Commission to adopt an integrated and more comprehensive approach encompassing the challenges of innovation and job creation over the whole varied range of interacting sectors making up the blue economy;

— advocates the need for direct methods of funding and an action plan in order to boost this sector by 2020, including specific ideas on cooperation mechanisms and investment in infrastructure;

— calls on the Commission to carry out a census of the numerous projects it financed in the past that were relevant to the blue economy and to launch a comprehensive study on the importance and weight of the blue economy. In view of this:

Can the Commission give details regarding action taken to date to in response to each of the above European Parliament recommendations?