Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001507/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left), Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)
Small-scale coastal fishing makes up the core of fishing activity in the South-Eastern Mediterranean and Greece and makes a definitive contribution to the local economy, food self-sufficiency, social cohesion, environmental protection and sustainable tourism. However, local fishers are increasingly facing problems of survival, exacerbated by the implementation of European regulations designed primarily to meet the needs of the industrial fleet in the North of the EU.
Certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008, Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 and Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 on the control and oversight of fishing impose a framework that does not take into account the specific characteristics of Greek coastal fishing: a) climate change, which is leading to a significant reduction in the catch available, b) the spread of invasive alien species attacking catches, which disrupts the ecological balance, c) the increase in the cost of fuel and materials required for daily activity, d) the use of small traditional boats without advanced technological means and energy-intensive engines, e) the frequent lack of intermediary traders, f) the low technological training of fishers and the inability to comply with digital requirements.
In view of this:
- 1.Does the Commission intend to safeguard the viability of small-scale coastal fishing in the South-Eastern Mediterranean by introducing an income restoration system (zero deficit clause) for fishers who have suffered a significant reduction in catches?
- 2.Is the Commission considering adapting the regulatory framework to incorporate the potential and specificities of small traditional fishing fleets in southern Europe?
Submitted: 11.4.2025