WRITTEN QUESTION E-2983/02 by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Council. Measures to reduce fisheries accidents.
Date: 2002-10-23
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: fisherman, fishing industry, occupational safety, rest period, working time

C 155 E/70

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.7.2003

extremely detrimental impact on the competitiveness of the rest of the forestry industry in the region. How
does the Commission explain its approval of state aid on this scale when it runs counter to the basic
principles on which the development and growth of the common market are based (an open market
economy, trade and competition between the Member States)?

Ahead of the forthcoming enlargement of the EU, it has been said that investment aid to industry may
compensate for lower farming subsidies in the applicant countries. Is this correct?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(25 November 2002)

In June 2002 the Commission authorised aid to Zellstoff Stendal for the construction of a new pulp
mill (1). Investment costs amounted to some EUR 800 million. The aid amounts to around EUR 250 mil-
lion.

The aid has been granted on basis of regional considerations to promote the economic development of
one of the less-favoured regions in the Community by supporting investment and job creation. The project
of Zellstoff Stendal has been approved on basis of the Multisectoral Framework on regional aid for large
investment projects. The Commission authorised the aid because of the positive impact of this project on
employment in the region and as it has found that the pulp sector does not suffer from over-capacities.

The application of the rules of the Multisectoral Framework for large investment projects has reduced the
aid to the Stendal project compared to the aid intensity generally allowed in the region where it is located.

According rules apply already now in the candidate countries. Therefore, investment aid to industry does
not compensate for possible lower farming subsidies in the candidate countries.

(1) See press release IP/02/888 of 19.6.2002.

(2003/C 155 E/079)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2983/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Council

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Measures to reduce fisheries accidents

Paragraph 3 of the EP’s resolution of 5 April 2001 on Fisheries: safety and causes of accidents (1) ‘urges the
Council to promote greater coverage of fishermen in Council Directive 93/104/EC on certain aspects of
the organisation of working time, amended by Directive 2000/34/EC of the European Parliament and the
Council, so as to improve their protection’.

Has the Council taken any steps in this connection?

How does the Council think progress should be made with regard to fisheries safety?

(1) OJ C 21 E, 24.1.2002, p. 359.

Reply

(20 February 2003)

Directive 2000/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 2000 extended the scope
of Council Directive 93/104/EC to include, amongst others, fishermen.

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 155 E/71

Article 17b(2) of Directive 93/104/EC, as amended, obliges Member States to take the necessary measures
to ensure that any worker on board a sea-going fishing vessel is entitled to adequate rest and that the
hours of work are limited to 48 per week on average.

Member States have to transpose this Directive into national legislation by 1 August 2003.

According to Article 3 of Directive 2000/34/EC, the Commission has to review the operation of the
provisions with regard to workers on board sea-going fishing vessels no later than 1 August 2009, in
particular as far as the health and safety provisions are concerned.

The Council therefore considers that any future steps to change the working time of fishermen with a view
to improving their safety should be taken in the light of the findings of the above-mentioned review by the
Commission. In any event, the Council is not in a position to take further steps in the absence of a
Commission proposal.

(2003/C 155 E/080)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2986/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Council

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Measures to reduce fisheries accidents

Paragraph 7 of the EP’s resolution of 5 April 2001 on Fisheries: safety and causes of accidents (1) ‘calls on
the Council to entrust the Commission with the task of coordinating all efforts made both by the
Commission and the Member States and by international organisations and to consult with the industry
itself and Member States’ training providers on means to promote and strengthen preventive and safety
measures in relation to fishing’.

Has the Council taken any steps in this connection?

Does the Council not believe that coordination by the Commission in this area would help reduce the
number of fishery accidents?

(1) OJ C 21 E, 24.1.2002, p. 359.

Reply

(20 February 2003)

Safety in relation to fishing activities is one of the main concerns of Council legislation in the fisheries
sector;
in particular, Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 laying down the detailed rules and
arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in this sector provides for public aid for the
modernisation of fishing vessels including i.a. improvements in safety on board.

In the framework of the proposals on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, the Commission has put
forward a proposal amending Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999 which includes measures
the
continuation of aid for the modernisation of vessels, in particular safety on board, provided that these
measures do not increase the fishing effort.

for

The Council is currently examining these proposals.

In the area of safety and health at the workplace, the new Community strategy on health and safety at
work (2002-2006) plays an important role.

The Council adopted a Resolution on the new Community strategy in June 2002 in which it noted the
need to promote health and safety at work in Community policies and to develop a coordinated approach
covering, inter alia, the common fisheries policy.