WRITTEN QUESTION E-3593/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 January 2002)

Subject: Criteria for structural actions in the fisheries sector

Article 12(b)(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999(1), which lays down the criteria and arrangements regarding structural assistance in the fisheries sector, and in particular socio-economic measures, provides for the granting of individual compensatory payments to fishermen who can show that they have worked for at least twelve months as fishermen, on the basis of an eligible cost limited to EUR 10 000 in the event of permanent cessation of fishing activities.

Under subparagraph 4(c) of the same article, fishermen are not allowed to work as fishermen for twelve months; if they do, they must pay back the compensation. The Portuguese Government transposed these provisions by Ministerial Decree No 1261/2001 of 31 October 2001. This decree imposes a six-month registration period on vessels before fishermen can receive the compensation payment for permanent cessation of activities.

This situation means not only that the amount of compensation is less than in the previous Community regulation Regulation (EC) No 2719/1995(2) (Decree No 693-A/96 of 25 November 1996) but has also created further difficulties in obtaining compensation and unfair conditions. The previous compensatory payment amounted to EUR 7000 for a period of six months in which fishermen are unable to work as fishermen. The doubling of this period to twelve months should have led to a doubling of the compensation. However, this has not been the case. Furthermore, a compulsory six-month registration period is now being imposed.

The Commission:

- What measures does it intend to take to remedy this problem, in particular with regard to the alteration of the criteria for socio-economic measures and the amount of compensation to be paid?

- What is the reason for introducing a compulsory registration period of at least six months? Does it not consider this measure to be unfair and unnecessary?

(1) OJ L 337, 30.12.1999, p. 10.

(2) OJ L 283, 25.11.1995, p. 3.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2002)

Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 of 17 December 1999 laying down the detailed rules and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector(1) introduced some amendments, including amendments to premiums, not found in Council Regulation (EC) No 2719/95 of 20 November 1995 amending Regulation (EC) No 3699/93 laying down the criteria and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and the processing and marketing of its products(2).

It was felt more appropriate to direct Community funding towards measures to adjust fleet capacity in line with resources.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the Member States can introduce additional conditions in their national legislation, provided that they conform with the Community rules and regulations on assistance.

It is in this context that Portugal submitted its national rules and regulations for implementing the 2000-2006 Fisheries Programmes to the Commission, which deemed them compatible with the EC Treaty.

(1) OJ L 337, 30.12.1999.

(2) OJ L 283, 25.11.1995.