The continuing rise in fuel prices has put an additional burden on many businesses in the EU. Notably EU fishermen suffer from these higher prices, mainly because they are dealing with an increasingly scarce resource and at the same time low prices paid for their fishery products.

Can the Commission elaborate its views and proposals with regard to the following questions:

1. What effect does the rise in fuel prices have on the EU economy and on employment?

2. Which EU sectors are at greatest risk because they are unable to pass on their rising energy costs?

3. What kind of emergency help can the EU provide without creating long-term distortions?