Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission

Given the dire condition of eastern Baltic cod, that fishery had to be restricted. The option to scrap vessels was recently re-introduced into the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Regulation[1] as a measure which can be supported by the EMFF, precisely in order to mitigate the socioeconomic consequences and rebalance fleets with the available fishing opportunities.

Addressing structural fleet imbalances enables a sustainable and profitable activity for the remaining vessels. It also offers prospects in other sectors and activities to those leaving the fisheries sector.

The EMFF supports strengthening resilience and diversifying activities and income, fostering collective organisation, enhancing skills and developing and disseminating innovation . The European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Regulation (EMFAF), once adopted will continue supporting the sector in a similar way for the financial period 2021-2027 .

The provisional EMFAF agreement puts a strong emphasis on small-scale coastal fishing. In their programmes, Member States will have to address the specific needs of this sector and develop specific actions to respond to these needs.

Moreover, small-scale fishers can benefit of 100% of public aid for their investments. Resilience is to empower people and communities to anticipate issues and develop own solutions. Community-led local development will also help in that respect.

• [1] Regulation (EU) 2020/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2020 amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 as regards fishing capacity reduction in the Baltic Sea, and Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 as regards permanent cessation of fishing activities for fleets fishing for Eastern Baltic cod, Western Baltic cod and Western Baltic herring (OJ L 400, 30.11.2020, p. 1).