92003E0742

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0742/03

by Inger Schörling (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(4 March 2003)

Subject: Compensation to EU fishermen and shipowners for temporary cessation of activity

Article 16 of the current FIFG regulation (2792/1999(1)) describes a number of conditions under which Member States are allowed to compensate fishermen and shipowners for the temporary cessation of activities.

How often has this measure been used by the Member States?

For each time that compensation has been awarded, can the Commission indicate:

- which of the circumstances listed in Article 16 was invoked;

- which Member State was involved, for which fishery and for what period of time;

- how many fishermen and/or ship-owners were involved;

- how much money was awarded, broken down by Community participation and State participation?

Is the Commission aware of any similar compensation paid by the Member State(s) without the use of Community funds? If so, could similar information be provided?

Under the previous FIFG regulation (3699/1993(2)), compensation was possible for temporary cessation of activities under Article 14. Could the Commission provide similar information for any such use of funds under that regulation?

(1) OJ L 337, 30.12.1999, p. 10.

(2) OJ L 346, 31.12.1993, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 March 2003)

In the present programming period 2000-2006, the Financial instrument for fisheries guidance (FIFG) aid foreseen for temporary cessation, compared to the total aid, is rather limited, about 3,9 %. Spain alone represents more than 80 % of the total amount programmed for this measure.

The actual expenditure declared and reimbursed by the Commission is listed in the following table:

>TABLE>

In the case of Spain and Portugal, the aid was used to compensate fishermen and vessels owners owing to the non-renewal of the fisheries agreement with Morocco, forcing about 400 vessels and about 4 000 fishermen to quit this activity.

In the case of Belgium, 60 vessels and more than 300 fishermen were granted compensation on the basis of article 16.1(a) of the FIFG Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999(1) unforeseeable circumstances, caused by biological factors.

The closure of the programmes relating to the previous programming period 1994-1999 will take place in 2003. The preliminary figures show that about EUR 54 million were granted for temporary cessation, of which the Community part amounts to EUR 38 million (Spain EUR 31 million, Denmark EUR 4 million, Portugal EUR 2 million and Sweden EUR 1 million).

(1) 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 OJ L 337, 30.12.1999.