EU SEEKS WAY FOR ENERGY TRANSITION IN FISHERIES - Filenews 13/4
The energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture is emerging as one of the most important challenges facing the European Union in the coming years, as the issue occupies an increasing space in the European dialogue on sustainable development.
The sector's high dependence on fossil fuels, combined with the goal of climate neutrality by 2050, necessitates an organized and multi-level strategy. This is reflected both in "Vision 2040" and in the recent communication of the European Commission on the energy transition of fisheries.
This need is all the more acute because of economic pressures, technological backwardness and the social role that fishing plays in many coastal areas of Europe.
As the Secretary General of Agricultural Policy and International Relations, Antonis Filippis, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, the industry is called upon to adapt in particularly difficult conditions. As he mentioned, the aging of the fishing fleet, the low profit margins and the inability to attract new professionals create an environment that limits the possibilities of modernization and makes the energy transition even more demanding.
At the same time, the high cost of new technologies, limited access to finance and difficulties in managing fisheries resources further complicate the transition, especially for small-scale fisheries, which is an important part of the sector across Europe.
The development of energy infrastructure in ports to enable the use of clean fuels and the integration of low-carbon technologies in fishing vessels is considered a critical factor. In the same direction, key priorities of the European strategy are the rapid adaptation to new technologies, such as more environmentally friendly propulsion systems, and the upgrading of port facilities to support these changes.
Mr. Filippis also underlined that the success of the transition requires close cooperation between the European institutions, the member states and the private sector, with the main axes being the mobilization of investments and the development of effective public-private partnerships.
In this context, particular emphasis is placed on financial instruments such as the European Competitiveness Fund, Horizon, as well as the new national and regional partnership plans, which aim to strengthen research, innovation and technological upgrading of the sector.
Adequate funding through the Multiannual Financial Framework is also considered crucial, while it is necessary to strengthen the technological readiness of both the fleet and the production structures of fishing enterprises, in order to achieve the sustainability goals.
At the recent EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, the need for a coherent policy to support the transition to a low-carbon fishing model that is more resilient to the future impacts of climate change was raised.
At the same time, the discussion was dominated by issues such as the simplification of the institutional framework, ensuring a level playing field between member states and the creation of effective financing mechanisms that will combine public and private investments.
Particular concern is noted about the increasing bureaucracy that accompanies the new European legislation. Reports from Germany indicate that the changes to the Fisheries Control Regulation and the regulation to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing are a significant burden on both businesses and competent authorities.
In particular, the implementing act on the weighing of fishery products is described as disproportionate and in some cases difficult to implement, which reinforces concerns about the competitiveness of the sector. At the same time, the need for immediate interventions in systems such as the CATCH information system and the mandatory declaration of catches in recreational fisheries was highlighted, in order to limit delays and obstacles to production.
The environment is becoming even more complex at international level due to the deadlocks in the management of fish stocks. France and the Netherlands are calling for the resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive agreement on mackerel stocks in the Northeast Atlantic.
The lack of a common strategy in recent years has taken a toll on the state of stocks, with serious social and economic consequences for the European fisheries sector, highlighting the need for multilateral cooperation and common management rules.
In conclusion, as Antonis Filippis pointed out to ANA-MPA, the energy transition, the simplification of the regulatory framework and the strengthening of international cooperation are interrelated challenges. Their management will have a decisive impact on the future of European fisheries and aquaculture, focusing on the sustainability, resilience and competitiveness of the sector in a rapidly changing environment that requires a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
