Amending the guidelines for state aid in the fisheries sector

30.11.2017

Question for written answer P-007419-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Louis-Joseph Manscour (S&D)

In its communication of 24 October 2017, the Commission seeks to renew and reinforce its economic development policies for the outermost regions (OR), in particular in the fisheries sector.

This sector is of vital importance for our regions since it accounts for nearly 10 000 jobs, directly and indirectly. Bearing in mind that the fleets of the French outermost regions attain less than 70% of the authorised ceilings, this sector of activity could contribute more to the economic and social development of regions affected by very high unemployment.

Because of their obsolescence, the safety of OR vessels is compromised and they have a reduced range: this means that there is a danger of overfishing in coastal areas and they are unable to fish offshore where resources are more abundant and where illegal fishing proliferates.

In its renewed strategy for the outermost regions, the Commission is now considering granting state aid for the construction of new vessels in these regions.

Can the Commission say whether DG MARE and DG COMP are already working on implementing this proposal by amending state aid guidelines for the fisheries sector?