News Digest n.1 / 2022
Blue farming: new strategic vision for sustainable aquaculture now available in all EU languages
In May 2021, the European Commission published its new strategy for sustainable aquaculture in Europe. The Farm to Fork strategy has recognized the role that sustainable aquaculture has to play in building sustainable food systems. This strategy will pave the way for the European Union aquaculture sector to grow into a competitive and resilient one and become a global reference for sustainability by 2030. An insightful and practical brochure on aquaculture and this strategy is now available in all EU languages.
European Commission and IOC UNESCO join forces for stronger ocean literacy in Europe
As of February 1 2022, the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO launched a partnership in support of the EU4Ocean coalition, the European Union wide ocean literacy initiative set up by the European Commission. The reason of this initiative is that ocean education gives citizens the power to understand the link between their actions and the oceans’ health, thus acting more responsibly towards the blue planet and its resources.
Croatia has potential to become a Blue Economy champion in the European Union
Croatia’s coast and sea are key national assets that contribute significantly to the country’s economy. To help Croatia foster sustainable and green economic growth while addressing environmental and climate impacts, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of the Republic of Croatia and the World Bank convened in a virtual workshop called “Investing in a Sustainable Blue Economy in Croatia”. A Blue Economy model involves sustainable use of maritime resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the natural capital of the oceans, seas and coasts. This model is also at the forefront of the sustainability agenda globally and part of the European Green Deal, aimed at helping European Union members meet their economic needs while addressing their sustainability goals.
The European Commission is inviting all interested parties to give comments on proposed revised State aid rules for the agricultural, forestry and fishery sectors. The purpose of this revision is to align the current rules with the current European Union strategic priorities, in particular the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy and also the European Green Deal. The Commission considers that the rules under scrutiny work well and are broadly fit for purpose, as they largely meet the needs of the sectors concerned, while also contributing to the achievement of broader policy objectives. At the same time, the evaluation also revealed that the existing rules need targeted revisions, including clarifications of some concepts, further simplification as well as adjustments to better reflect market and technological developments. The public consultation on revised State aid rules for the fishery and aquaculture sector began on 11 January 2022 and will conclude on 13 March 2022.
On 17 December 2021, the European Commission launched two targeted consultations to ask stakeholders to contribute to two upcoming reports: one on the functioning of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and one on the Common Market Organisation (CMO). The Commission will deliver the reports by the end of 2022. The aim of the former is to address the functioning of the CFP and look at how its implementation can be strengthened. The online questionnaire can be accessed here. As regards the latter, the objective is to take stock on the implementation of the CMO Regulation and its legal provisions. The report will be based on the evidence collected through the Commission’s checks of compliance, Member States’ reporting, European Parliament reports, ad hoc studies etc. For this report, the online questionnaire can be accessed here. All stakeholders, including the fishing industry, non-governmental organisations, academic, scientific, social and economic partners are invited to take part and share their views by 28 February 2022.
