Today, in Brussels, the European Committee of the
Regions voted by a large majority to adopt the
proposals on the post-2020 future of the European
Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)
The European Union's assembly of regional and local
representatives adopted the
opinion
written by the president of Finistère Departmental
Council. Nathalie Sarrabezolles proposes increasing
the budget for the post-2020 maritime and fisheries
policies to 1% of the multiannual financial
framework, due to the need to finance the blue
economy, maritime surveillance and numerous
projects to protect the environment, in addition to
fisheries and aquaculture. The European Commission
is proposing EUR 6.14 billion for the European
Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) under the
forthcoming long-term 2021-2027 budget.
Cities and regions are calling for more resources to be
allocated to fisheries and maritime policy in the next
EU budget, by adding a further 0.47% of funding for the
integrated maritime policy to the 0.53% of
appropriations currently allocated to fisheries and
aquaculture.
The CoR members back the call made by Nathalie Sarrabezolles (FR/PES) for the new Fund to be
allocated 1% of the post-2020 European budget. In this
scenario, the EMFF could increase by 6.8%.
The rapporteur, Nathalie Sarrabezolles welcomes the
fact that there is a new EMFF regulation, enabling the
proactive fisheries and maritime policy to be
continued. However, she draws the attention of the
Committee of the Regions to the earmarked funding,
which displays a lack of ambition for a policy that is
essential to the European Union's development.
The local and regional elected representatives consider
that Member States need to be allowed to develop
regional operational programmes as part of national
programming. This way of organising programmes will
encourage regional strategies to be put in place, and
will enable the EMFF to be better channelled to deal
with local issues.
They also approve of the increased use of simplified
cost options, i.e. flat-rate reimbursement, standard
scales of unit costs and flat rates designed to cut the
red tape encumbering beneficiaries, as well as simple
financial instruments accessible to the smallest
companies.
The rapporteur calls for higher standards in terms of
environmental conditions in the development of
aquaculture, knowledge of inputs for fish farming and
assessment of environmental impact. In particular, aid
should not be granted to businesses whose activities
significantly alter the marine environment of a
protected area. Moreover, because of the risk of
propagation in the environment, support should not be
possible for the farming of genetically modified
organisms.
The fishing industry must also help combat pollution
and global warming. The representatives of local and
regional authorities emphasise that the EMFF must
therefore be able to assist research and innovation to
improve energy efficiency and lower CO2
emissions.
At the same time, they regret the Fund's late entry
into force and delays in the funding becoming available
and being implemented. Achieving an agreement on the
future long-term budget in 2019 will enable a smooth
transition from the current (2014-2020) long-term
budget to the new one, and will also ensure
predictability and continued financing for the benefit
of all.
European cities and regions note that, for reasons of
timing, this draft regulation does not propose any
companion measures in relation to Brexit. Depending on
the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, specific
financial measures might be needed that are not
currently anticipated in the draft regulation setting
out the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027.
Additional information
Opinion of the European Committee of the
Regions – The European Maritime and Fisheries
Fund (EMFF) beyond 2020: an investment in
European coastal communities, Alberto Núñez
Feijóo (ES/EPP)
European Parliament briefing on the European
Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), June 2017
Contact:
Wioletta Wojewodzka
Tel. +32 2 282 22 89
wioletta.wojewodzka@cor.europa.eu