WRITTEN QUESTION E-2368/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(27 July 1998)

Subject: Reform of the FIFG and assistance for joint ventures

The restructuring of the fisheries sector through the setting-up of joint ventures under the current FIFG has proved highly effective in terms of job- and wealth-creation in the European Union.

In Spain there are 164 vessels belonging to joint ventures, which directly provide a total of 1912 jobs. Furthermore, 93,5 % of these jobs are concentrated in Objective 1 regions (Galicia and Andalusia), which demonstrates the contribution made to economic and social cohesion in the Community. Of the 498 000 tonnes of fresh and frozen fish entering the Spanish port of Vigo (the world's major port in this respect) in 1997, 30 % (150 000) came from joint ventures. Likewise, 50 % of Spain's annual imports of frozen fish come from joint ventures (250 000 tonnes).

If we have experienced all these beneficial effects in Spain, it is to be expected that other Member States have benefited in a similar way. This is an extremely effective structural measure whose continuity should be guaranteed in the new programming framework for the period 2000-2006.

It is therefore astonishing that the proposal for legislation to implement Agenda 2000 submitted by the Commission on 18 March 1998 (COM(98) 131 final) contains a draft regulation on structural measures in the fisheries sector(1) which makes no reference to joint ventures or any other measure, producing a situation of total uncertainty. It should be borne in mind that the above proposal for a regulation repeals and replaces the regulation currently in force, Council Regulation (EEC) 2080/93(2) of 20 July 1993, Articles 2 and 3 of which list all the structural measures which may be applied to the fisheries sector, including joint ventures.

Can the Commission say whether joint ventures will continue to figure among the structural measures financed by the FIFG in the period 2000-2006?

If not, can the Commission state the reasons on which the proposal to abolish such funding is based?

Finally, how does the Commission explain the fact that a proposal for a regulation on structural measures in the fisheries sector makes no reference to any structural measure in the fisheries sector?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(18 September 1998)

The Commission has taken careful note of the information provided by the Honourable Member with regard to the importance of joint ventures in the Spanish fisheries sector.

With regard to form, it should be pointed out that the 1998 proposals for legislation on structural measures in the fisheries sector are to be adopted in two separate phases, as in 1993: first, a basic regulation representing the "structural package" and establishing a link between economic and social cohesion policy and structural measures in the fisheries sector, and second an implementing regulation, based on Article 43 of the Treaty which is the legal base of the common fisheries policy, specifying the exact scope of structural measures in the fisheries sector.

This procedure was set out in the Explanatory Memorandum accompanying the proposal for a Regulation on structural measures in the fisheries sector(3) (first phase).

With regard to substance, the Commission will adopt the proposal for an implementing regulation, on which Parliament will be called to give an opinion, in good time (second phase).

(1) OJ C 176, 9.6.1998, p. 44.

(2) OJ L 193, 31.7.1993, p. 1.

(3) OJ C 176, 9.6.1998.