Press Release: Fisheries: Council agreement on measures to address economic crisis in the sector

On 16 July, 2008, Council adopted, by qualified majority, the emergency package of restructuring measures to tackle the fuel crisis in the fisheries sector proposed by the Commission on 8 July. The package will 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 core of the measures adopted in the form of a Council Regulation, consisted of temporary derogations to the European Fisheries Fund, allowing funds to be targeted quickly where they are needed most to address the underlying causes of the crisis, and to provide short-term support to the hardest-hit segments of the fleet that commit to restructure. Joe Borg, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries welcomed the constructive approach taken by Ministers to ensure rapid action.