Press Release: Fisheries: Commission proposes urgent restructuring measures to tackle the fuel crisis

On 8 July, 2008, the European Commission adopted a package of emergency measures to promote the restructuring of those segments of the European fishing fleet which have been hardest hit by the current fuel crisis, while cushioning its short-term social and economic impacts for those who commit to taking long-term action. The Commission singled out the fisheries sector upon a clear mandate from the European Council because of the unique situation that fishers are facing due to a unique combination of constraints on operations due to sustainability considerations, difficult market conditions and high fuel costs. These actions were first announced on 17 June, when the Commission agreed on the approach it would take to support the industry during this difficult period. The core of the proposal consisted of a regime of temporary derogations to the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), allowing funds to be targeted quickly where they are needed most to address the underlying causes of the crisis, and provide short-term support to the hardest-hit segments of the fleet. The package took the form of a Communication outlining the measures and the rationale behind them, and a proposal for a Council Regulation which would establish the necessary changes to EFF rules for a period of two years.

European Commission: MEMO/08/493: EU package to tackle the fuel crisis in the fisheries sector http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/493&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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