-
.
- Ελληνικά
The Director General of the General Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr.Andreas A. Gregoriou, participated in the Informal Meeting of EU Fisheries Ministers, organized by the Spanish Presidency, in Vigo, Spain, on 17-18 July 2023.
The discussion focused on defining the common points and approaches that Member State Ministers consider necessary to make progress in the decarbonisation of the Community's fisheries and aquaculture sector. The Council's objective is to find the mechanisms to enable the European fishing fleet and aquaculture to gradually adapt to environmental sustainability by meeting the requirements of the European Green Deal. In particular, to stop the production of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, without causing serious economic and social consequences for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, but to make this compatible with its socio-economic profitability.
In his intervention, Mr. Gregoriou acknowledged the difficulties faced by the fisheries sector, in particular with the high increase in fuel prices, while pointing out the significant decrease in the profitability of the fisheries sector, demonstrating its dependency. It also set as a priority the correct and gradual energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture and the need to replace the fishing fleet with new, more energy-efficient vessels. He also referred to the examination of measures under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and asked the European Commission to propose realistic measures that would allow the energy transition without jeopardising the sustainability of the profession. He concluded by advocating the implementation of a roadmap and expressed the view that a careful review of the capacity limits of the Community register of fishing vessels might be necessary under the circumstances.
The programme of the Informal Meeting included visits to the 72-metre-long fishing training/research vessel "Intermares", as well as to the city's fish market called "Lonja de Vigo", which is the largest fish market in terms of weight landings in the world.
In the margins of the Informal Council, Mr. Gregoriou had the opportunity to exchange views with the new Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, as well as with other representatives of EU Member States on fisheries and aquaculture issues.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
