The crisis in the fisheries sector caused by rising fuel oil prices

28.5.2008

ORAL QUESTION WITH DEBATE O-0064/08
pursuant to Rule 108 of the Rules of Procedure
by Philippe Morillon, on behalf of the Committee on Fisheries
to the Commission

The price of petroleum has quadrupled since 2004, and fuel prices have soared during May this year, triggering a serious crisis in the fishing industry, all branches of which are affected.

 

Faced with this situation, many fishermen and fishing businesses have no choice but to cease their activities, with very serious economic and social implications for the Union.

 

Many maritime workers find themselves in a desperate situation, which calls for urgent measures and effective arrangements to be adopted in response to the emergency.

 

Last week French fisheries were paralysed, with vessels confined to port. The fishermen called on the authorities to take steps to deal with this serious state of affairs. The situation of conflict and cessation of activities is now spreading to other parts of the European Union.

 

Given that current arrangements, particularly those for ‘de minimis’ aid, are proving completely inadequate as a means of safeguarding the Community fishing industry, measures must be taken in the immediate, medium and long terms to support this sector of vital importance to the European Union.

 

In the light of this situation, the Committee on Fisheries would like to put the following oral question to the Commission:

 

What emergency measures and arrangements, and what long-term measures, does the Commission envisage adopting to help the fisheries industry contend with constantly rising fuel oil prices?

 

 

Tabled: 28.05.2008

Forwarded: 30.05.2008

Deadline for reply: 06.06.2008