EU fuel aid proposals for fishermen get cool reception

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LUXEMBOURG (AFP) — France, Portugal and Spain poured cold water Monday on European Commission proposals to help fishermen cope with the soaring cost of fuel.

Under pressure from some EU governments, the commission last week outlined a range of measures to help fishermen, who have led waves of protests across Europe against the high fuel prices.

EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg said he favoured offering aid to fishermen who do not go out to sea over a three-month period, as part of restructuring efforts.

The commission also agreed to allow high levels of aid from member states for the sector and to be more flexible about how an EU fund for restructuring can be used.

The European Union's executive arm has long argued that the root problem facing...