The chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries has requested that the EU’s crisis and transition temporary framework be triggered, due to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East that has resulted in escalating fuel prices.
‘The current geopolitical context, especially instability in the Middle East and rising oil prices, is having a direct impact on the European fisheries sector. Fuel represents one of the largest operating costs of the fleet, so the continued increase in prices is putting at risk the economic viability of many vessels,’ said committee chair Carmen Crespo Díaz, commenting that if the current situation continues, many vessels could be forced to cease activity, with serious consequences for employment in coastal communities and for the supply of seafood on the European market.
‘That is why we are asking the European Commission to swiftly activate emergency support mechanisms, such as the crisis and transition temporary framework, similar to those used during the 2022 energy crisis,’ she said.
‘Among the possible measures, we must mobilise the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) crisis instruments so that we can immediately support the fleets most affected by the exceptional increase in fuel prices,’ she said.
‘It is also proposed to temporarily adapt the State aid rules, so that member states can urgently support their fleets. In parallel, exceptional market measures could be activated within the Common Fisheries Policy to mitigate the economic impact of this situation.’
Carmen Crespo Díaz said that aside from the current emergency situation, progress is needed on structural solutions that strengthen the sector’s resilience, such as facilitating access to strategic fuel stocks in European ports.
