92001E3499

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3499/01

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(8 January 2002)

Subject: Consequences of the failure to conclude a fisheries agreement with Morocco

In March 2001, the negotiations on a fisheries agreement between the EU and Morocco were broken off. The European Union responded by providing support for Spanish fishermen. The southern Spanish village of Barbate symbolised their plight, being home to no fewer than 4 000 fishermen who were affected. Until the end of 2001, they will receive 900 in aid from the EU. It has been suggested that investing in tourism could be one solution. Press reports refer to an increase in racism directed against Moroccan fellow-citizens in the region. At the same time, many ex-fishermen are now said to be using their boats to smuggle drugs.

1. How many of the 4 000 fishermen affected have since found new jobs?

2. Has the Commission also invested structurally in tourism?

3. Is the Commission aware of an increase in racism in the region?

4. Is the Commission aware of an increase in drugs transactions in the region? Are unemployed fishermen involved?

5. Will the Commission resume talks with Morocco with the aim of improving the situation in southern Spain?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 2002)

The Commission's information is that the number of fishermen from Barbate affected by non-renewal of the fishery agreement with Morocco is not 4 000 but 649. It is unable at present to say how many of these have found another job.

Knowing that many fishermen would be unable to find fresh employment at sea, the Commission proposed specific conversion measures additional to the aid already offered under the Community rules in force. Adopted by the Council on 18 December 2001, these substantially increase the premiums for fishermen converting to other activities. Further, coastal zones dependent on fisheries such as Barbate benefit from Community financial assistance for socio-economic diversification through the Structural Fund Objective 1 programmes.

On structural investment in tourism, the Commission must point out that under Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 on general provisions on the Structural Funds(1) selection of the individual projects part-financed under each programme is an exclusive responsibility of the Member State.

The Commission has not been informed of any increase in racism in the region nor is it aware of any rise in drug trafficking or involvement of unemployed fishermen in this.

On resumption of discussions with Morocco, the Commission must point out that the Council concluded on 24 April 2001 that it was impossible as matters stood to reach a mutually beneficial fishery agreement between the Community and Morocco.

Since then the Commission has received no formal or indeed any proposal from the Moroccan authorities on the future of our fishery relations. If any approach is made the Commission will carefully examine the proposal and if appropriate seek a mandate from the Council to reopen negotiations.

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.