EU advisory councils call for changes to fisheries state aid rules, urging higher de minimis ceilings and faster crisis support mechanisms.
Calls For Higher De Minimis Ceilings in Fisheries Sector
A group of EU Advisory Councils has called on the European Commission to revise state aid rules for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, arguing that current limits are too low to respond effectively during crises.
In joint advice issued on 24 April, the Market Advisory Council, together with the Mediterranean, North Sea, North Western Waters, South Western Waters and Aquaculture Advisory Councils, raised concerns over the current de minimis thresholds.
Under existing rules, support is limited to €30,000 (£25,700) per undertaking over three years, increasing to €40,000 (£34,300) where a national register exists. The advice describes these as “small amounts of State aid that are considered too low to distort competition”.
Current Limits Seen As Barrier in Crises Situations
The councils state that these ceilings are inadequate in periods of sudden disruption. According to the advice, “in crises situations… national authorities cannot provide immediate aid and in a sufficient quantity”.
They warn that this can have direct operational consequences, noting that “fisheries and aquaculture undertakings may suspend their activities, reducing production capacity, and further delaying their economic recovery”.
The document links these concerns to recent geopolitical developments, stating that “fishing vessels and aquaculture farms are operating at a loss” due to rising energy costs and market instability.
Concerns Over Structure of Support per Undertaking
Beyond the overall ceiling, the councils highlight structural limitations in how aid is applied.
The advice states that “the definition of the ceiling ‘per single undertaking’ can be significantly limiting”, particularly for companies operating multiple vessels or sites. It adds that “a single undertaking can exhaust the entire ceiling simply addressing the challenges faced by a single fishing vessel or aquaculture farm”.
This, they argue, restricts the ability of larger operators within the fishing industry to respond effectively to cost pressures across their operations.
Recommendations Include Faster Crisis Response Mechanisms
The Advisory Councils set out several recommendations, including a call for the European Commission to “undertake measures to ensure a swifter activation of the crisis mechanism” under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.
They also urge closer monitoring of market conditions and, “if appropriate, activate emergency support mechanisms… to address the significant and sudden increases in operating costs”.
The advice stresses that support should extend across the full value chain, stating that measures should “facilitate the continuation of the operations of the entire fisheries and aquaculture value chain, including auctions, processors, traders, and retailers”.
Division Remains Over Increasing Aid Ceiling Levels
While most Advisory Councils support raising the de minimis ceiling, the advice records opposition from environmental organisations.
It states that “it would not be appropriate to increase the maximum ceiling of de minimis State aid, as the conditionality is not as thorough as for sectoral funds”.
This reflects an ongoing divide between industry-focused groups seeking more flexible support and environmental bodies concerned about reduced oversight.
Commission Crisis Mechanism Activation Acknowledged
The Advisory Councils also acknowledge recent EU action, stating they “welcome the recent activation… of the crisis mechanism… allowing Member States to provide financial compensation”.
They conclude that such measures are necessary to maintain production and supply, highlighting the need for “a continued supply of raw material as well as food security for EU consumers”.
