WRITTEN QUESTION E-1006/02 by Albert Maat (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Implementation of the restructuring plan arising from the non-renewal of the fisheries agreement with the Kingdom of Morocco.
Date: 2002-04-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Portugal, Spain, economic conversion, fishing fleet

14.11.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 277 E/127

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(12 June 2002)

We are informed by the Greek authorities (Environment Ministry) that no aid from the European Regional
Development Fund (ERDF) was given for the animal pound construction project at Acharavi on Corfu. The
Kommeno veterinary laboratory was part-financed (approx. € 180 000) under the 1994-1999 Regional
Operational Programme for the Ionian Islands.

For 2000-2006 Corfu is eligible under the Ionian Islands ROP, to which the Community contribution (all
islands) is € 244 684 921. It is also eligible for projects part-financed under other operational programmes
of the Greek Community support framework that cover the whole country. Community Initiatives and the
Cohesion Fund are other potential sources of assistance for projects.

The Commission cannot determine what share of Structural Fund financing Corfu or any other island will
receive or list the projects to be aided in this way. Under the subsidiarity principle assessment and
selection of projects proposed for Structural Fund part-financing is a responsibility of the regional and
national managing authorities. The final amount that will be invested for each island will depend on the
quality and maturity of the projects presented by the managing authorities and local entrepreneurs.

(2002/C 277 E/144)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1006/02

by Albert Maat (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 April 2002)

Subject: Implementation of the restructuring plan arising from the non-renewal of the fisheries agreement

with the Kingdom of Morocco

Reports have recently appeared in the press concerning the progress of the implementation of the
restructuring plan for the Spanish and Portuguese fleets. Apparently, alternative uses have already been
found for more than half of the Spanish vessels which were operating under this agreement. However,
according to these reports, only 29 vessels have so far been taken out of service, whereas around 160
others are being put to alternative use in the fishing industry. These figures are alarming, considering that
the purpose of the restructuring plan was to permanently restructure the fleet (scrapping or converting
176 vessels).

1.

Does the Commission have any information about this situation?

2.
Does the Commission agree that the plans were intended to provide a structural solution for a large
number of vessels and fishermen and that the use of the scrapping and retirement component of the
restructuring plan is crucial to the plan’s success?

3. Will the Commission perform an interim evaluation of the implementation of the restructuring plan?
If so, how soon? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2002)

The Commission is aware of a number of articles on this subject in the press. The truth of the matter is
that the restructuring operation has just started, so it is far too early to evaluate it.

The Commission believes that the restructuring objectives set are still completely valid and achievable. It
will closely monitor the plan’s progress, in collaboration with the Spanish and Portuguese authorities.