reported from the source

Quick summary: The chair of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee urges the activation of the EU’s crisis framework due to the impact of the Middle East conflict on the fisheries sector.

Carmen Crespo Díaz, chair of the Fisheries Committee, has called for the European Commission to trigger the EU’s crisis and transition temporary framework in response to the geopolitical instability in the Middle East and rising oil prices. She emphasized that the increasing fuel costs are jeopardizing the economic viability of many fishing vessels, which could lead to halted operations and negative repercussions for employment in coastal communities and seafood supply in Europe. Crespo Díaz proposed mobilizing the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) crisis instruments to support the most affected fleets and suggested adapting State aid rules for member states to provide urgent assistance. Additionally, she mentioned the potential activation of exceptional market measures within the Common Fisheries Policy to alleviate the economic impact. She also highlighted the need for structural solutions to enhance the sector’s resilience, such as improving access to strategic fuel stocks in European ports. The call for action follows a joint military operation by the US and Israel against Iran, which has affected fuel passage through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to rising oil prices.

Source: www.europarl.europa.eu