With European MPs yet to sign off on the new batch of commissioners, the European Parliament Fisheries Committee grilled Fisheries Commissioner candidate Maria Damanaki of Greece on Tuesday.
Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) was the subject of the majority of questions asked by European MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) in Damanaki’s three-hour hearing.
Replying to questions from MEP Maria do Céu Patrao Neves, Damanaki said that the reform will seek to streamline the CFP by “striking the right balance” among the interests of consumers, fishermen, industry and tourism.
In her introductory remarks, Damanaki — who, if approved, would succeed Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg — stressed that she would be “proud to contribute to blue growth” linked to reform, adding that this growth will help unleash the potential of all ocean resources and create “blue” jobs.
In response to concerns raised by MEP Kriton Arsenis about the possible negative social impacts of a new fisheries reform, Damanaki said she would examine whether the European Social Fund could give assistance to those who may be forced out of a fishery.
The Damanaki added that she would try to ensure that older fishermen continue fishing, while younger ones are redirected to other professions through retraining.
And tackling the thorny and much criticized “top-down” approach by the European Commission, Damanaki underlined the need to involve regional and local stakeholders more extensively in fisheries policy in response to questions from Ian Hudghton, Struan Stevenson and others. She said renationalizing fisheries policy will not be an option.
After the hearing, MEP President Ian Hudghton of Scotland invited Damanaki to Scotland to view firsthand “the pioneering efforts of Scottish fishermen to conserve stocks.” According to a statement from the MEP, Hudghton was impressed by Damanaki’s willingness to engage fully with members of the committee, but he expressed concerns that some of her statements showed a lack of awareness as to the extent of the CFP’s failings.
The European Parliament is likely to vote on a new fisheries commissioner in early February. The vote was postponed from 26 January after the Bulgarian government designated another candidate, Kristalina Georgieva, who’s due to face a hearing on 3 February.
