Written question – Financial support for decarbonising the fishing fleet – E-002194/2025

Question for written answer  E-002194/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Eric Sargiacomo (S&D)

The energy crisis linked to the situation in Ukraine, decarbonisation and climate change in general have become major challenges for fishers. Initiatives to reduce fishing vessels’ CO₂ emissions are springing up across Europe. However, initial feedback has raised an issue that had not been anticipated: the loss of revenue owing to vessels being out of action while work (sometimes taking between one and four months) is carried out. Such losses could discourage fishers from moving towards energy transition and therefore slow down experimentation and innovation. In light of this:

• 1.Could EU funds be used to compensate fishers for their loss of revenue as a result of their vessels being put out of action to carry out the work necessary to reduce their carbon footprint?
• 2.If compensation is not possible, does the Commission plan to take account of this issue in future reviews of legislation?
• 3.If compensation is not possible, does the Commission foresee the possibility for soft loans in conjunction with the EIB to shore up fishing companies’ accounts?

Submitted: 2.6.2025