51995AC0590

Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation EC No 3699/93 laying down the criteria and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and the processing and marketing of its products (95/C 236/18)

On 5 April 1995 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the abovementioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mrs M. L. Santiago as Rapporteur-General for its Opinion.

At its 326th Plenary Session (meeting of 31 May 1995) the Committee unanimously adopted the following Opinion.

1. Introduction

1.1. Following the provisions of the London Convention (ITC 69), the new method for measuring vessel tonnage has taken GT (gross tonnes) as the basic measure for this purpose, replacing GRT (gross registered tonnage).

1.2. The norms agreed on in the Convention were transposed to Community legislation by Regulation EEC 2930/86.

1.3. The present proposal aims to amend certain provisions of Regulation 3699/93 (FIFG Application Regulation) and to harmonize these parameters for action under the structural measures by the year 2004.

2. General comments

2.1. Aid for fishing fleets under Regulation 3699/93 is, for the most part, based on vessel tonnage.

2.2. It is important to standardize the calculation of vessel tonnage of the Community's fleet so that there are no differences between Member States' vessels.

2.3. The Committee has already issued an Opinion in this connection - CES 1012/94 - in which it draws attention to the fact that the tonnage of various fishing vessels has been measured using different methods, which can result in discrepancies when measuring the tonnage of virtually identical vessels.

2.4. For this purpose it is necessary to adapt FIFG aid in line with the new tonnage units (GT).

2.5. The proposed new tables (Annex IV - Tables 1b and 2b) strike on average a reasonable balance between Ecus/GRT and Ecus/GT.

2.6. The Committee recommends that the changeover from one unit to another should not lead to a reduction in Community assistance, as happened with vessel construction and modernization subsidies when the FIFG came into force.

3. Specific comments

3.1. During the harmonization period, economic operators can opt for one or the other table. The Committee would point out that this option is mentioned only in the proposal's explanatory memorandum.

3.2. The Committee recommends that until the year 2004, fishing agreements with third countries clearly define which tonnage unit is used as a basis in the agreements, particularly with regard to the payment of financial contributions.

3.3. The Committee endorses the present proposal.

Done at Brussels, 31 May 1995.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER