B3-0254, 0259, 0266, 0270/94

Resolution on the problems in the fisheries sector

The European Parliament,

-having regard to its resolution of 10 February 1994 on the crisis in the fishing industry,

A.mindful of the goals of the common fisheries policy, and above all, those of conserving resources and saving jobs in regions dependent on fishing,

B.whereas, for the second year running, the fisheries sector in the Community has been affected by a very serious crisis,

C.whereas the absence of social and monetary harmonization in the countries of the Community constitutes a sizeable distortion of competition,

D.having regard to the ineffectiveness of the market regulation and monitoring arrangements,

E.whereas the reintroduction of import prices, on a provisional basis and at a most inadequate level, has been insufficient to correct price levels and ensure Community preference,

F.whereas the solutions recommended by the Commission are dangerously inadequate, and regretting the fact that it has so far refused to invoke the safeguard clause,

G.concerned at the risk of an increase in transfers of fishing quotas between the Member States,

1.Condemns the clear lack of political will on the part of the Council in this matter and its inability to find a lasting solution to the problem of minimum import prices, particularly for fresh products. Notes with interest, however, the promotion campaign recently launched;

2.Urgently draws attention to the need for valid and lasting answers to the problems facing fishermen;

3.Repeats its demand for an extraordinary fisheries Council meeting;

4.Repeats its call that a European fisheries conference be held without delay, to work out a new common organization of the market taking into account the interests of all parties involved and calls in particular for measures to improve the chain between production and consumption with a view to upgrading producer prices;

5.Calls for an increase in minimum import prices, for them to be extended to cover new species, and to continue to apply after 15 March 1994;

6.Repeats its call to the Commission and the Member States to strengthen checks on irregular imports and in particular on illicit trans-shipments at sea;

7.Hopes that, prompted by this fresh crisis, the Union will acquire an effective inspection system, the cornerstone of any common fisheries policy, managed by the Commission;

8.Repeats its call for the creation of a financial instrument designed to compensate for the falls in fishery product prices;

9.Calls on the Commission to propose a reform of the common organization of the fisheries sector, in concert with the organizations involved, with a view to ensuring worthwhile incomes for fishermen and guaranteeing the future of the fishing industry in the European Union;

10.Hopes that, in collaboration with the Member States, consideration will be given to the establishment of a common social protection system pursuant to Article 118 of the EC Treaty;

11.Formally draws the Commission and Council's attention to the need for speedy action;

12.Calls for the accession negotiations with Norway to take into account the legitimate interests of the Community's fishermen and fish farmers;

13.Hopes that there will be a comparative analysis of the sector plans submitted by the Member States under the FIFG regulation, which will be forwarded to Parliament;

14.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.