WRITTEN QUESTION E-3593/01 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Criteria for structural actions in the fisheries sector.
Date: 2002-01-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Structural Funds, agricultural guidance, aid system, common fisheries policy, financing policy

C 160 E/150

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.7.2002

(2002/C 160 E/188)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3593/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Criteria for structural actions in the fisheries sector

(8 January 2002)

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 6 Regulation (EC) No 2719/1995 (2) (Decree No 693-A/96 of 25 November 1996) 6 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
this has not been the case. Furthermore, a compulsory six-month
registration period is now being imposed.

the compensation. However,

The Commission:

6 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?

6 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.