WRITTEN QUESTION P-2498/99

by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Compensation for the compulsory slaughter of salmon in accordance with EC law

Can the Commission confirm that a scheme exists to provide for prompt, adequate and effective compensation for the compulsory slaughter of salmon in farms infected with ISA, in accordance with Directive 93/53/EEC(1) introducing minimum Community measures for the control of certain fish diseases?

If so, could it outline this scheme and indicate whether it must be matched with compensation payable by the relevant Member State?

(1) OJ L 175, 19.7.1993, p. 23.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(19 January 2000)

Various financial compensation instruments are available in case of compulsory slaughter of salmon in farms infected with infectious salmon anaemia (ISA).

Member States may grant financial compensation for the losses suffered. In that event, the authorities of the Member State concerned notify the draft measures to the Commission. According to the guidelines for the examination of state aid to fisheries and aquaculture, measures aimed at compensating losses suffered by the producers may be deemed compatible with the common market provided that an eradication plan is decided by the authorities.

Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field(1) lists, in its Article 3, the animal diseases for which emergency financial compensation by the Community may be granted. The financial contribution must be 50 % of the costs incurred by the Member State in compensating owners for the slaughter, destruction of animals and, where appropriate, their products, for cleaning, disinsectisation and disinfection of holdings and equipment and for the destruction of contaminated feedingstuffs and contaminated equipment. Where vaccination has been decided, this must be 100 % of the costs of supply of vaccine and 50 % of the costs incurred for carrying out the vaccination. ISA is however not included in the list of diseases eligible for compensation. Its inclusion requires a decision by the Commission in accordance with the procedure of the standing veterinary committee.

Council Decision 90/424/EEC in its Article 24 introduces the possibility for a Community financial measure for the eradication and monitoring of certain diseases. This compensation is based on the approval of annual programmes to be submitted by the Member States. These programmes shall supply all the appropriate financial information and shall indicate in particular the total estimated cost of carrying out the programme. The level of Community financial contribution in this case shall be fixed at 50 % of the costs incurred by the Member States by way of compensation for owners for the slaughter of the animals. ISA is however not included in the list of diseases to which Article 24 applies. Its inclusion requires a Council decision upon a proposal from the Commission. The Commission will examine whether it is appropriate to take action for the inclusion of ISA in one of the lists referred to in Decision 90/424/EEC.

With effect from 1 January 2000 under Article 15 of the new Financial instrument for fisheries guidance (FIFG), Member States may within their national programmes encourage the eradication of pathological risks due to diseases in aquaculture. The conditions allow for a maximum financial contribution of 35 % for Objective 1 areas and 15 % for other areas. In drawing up the implementing regulation for the new FIFG next year detailed rules for this aid will be decided by the Commission.

(1) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, as last amended by Decision 94/370/EC (OJ L 168, 2.7.1994).