EMFF is the smallest EU structural and investment fund, but nevertheless a very important one for coastal communities. All EU funds should start being negotiated without delay, and in line with the Multiannual Financial Framework, in order to have the EU budget ready on time for the next period. The EU needs a strong budget for all.
S&Ds consider it necessary to start the negotiations with the Council on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) as soon as possible. This Fund has a central importance to the EU's Blue Economy, in particular fisheries and aquaculture, but also to biotechnology, the protection of the marine environment and the socio-economy of coastal and island communities across Europe.
Manuel Pizarro, S&D shadow rapporteur, said:
“We have a mandate that is essentially in line with the orientations of our political family. Of particular relevance is the positive differentiation of small-scale coastal fishing that is clear throughout the mandate, and ensuring decent and safe working conditions for our fishers is crucial.
Protecting our oceans and fishing resources, as well as combating climate change, will be the main priorities that I will defend and fight for during the negotiations.”
Clara Aguilera, S&D spokesperson for fisheries, added:
“We should not delay the entry into negotiations on the EMFF file given that the Multiannual Financial Framework could be affected. Our coastal communities, our fishers and consumers need a strong EMFF with enough funds to face all the challenges we will need to address in the forthcoming years, including our commitments on climate change and the CFP implementation.
From the outset, the S&D Group and its negotiating team have been devoting significant efforts to negotiating this important and crosscutting file for the EU’s Blue Economy. They will work to ensure that the outcome of the negotiations are aligned with our political commitments and the different European policies, in particular as regards to the protection of nature and natural resources, the fight against climate change and SDGs. Similarly, European Socialists and Democrats uphold stricter labour laws and security conditions. The S&D Group’s negotiating team will stick to its principles and strongly defend its position and hope for a successful outcome. The EMFF regulation must be adopted in time so that it allows member states to prepare all the regulations necessary so that on 1 January 2021, this important fund is available to the EU’s Blue Economy.
