Commission probes aid deal

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Series Details Vol 6, No.32, 7.9.00, p1
Publication Date 07/09/2000
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Date: 07/09/00

By Simon Taylor

THE European Commission is investigating the aid package promised to French fishermen amid concern that it may flout EU internal market rules.

French Fisheries Minister Jean Glavany announced the measures in August to convince the fishermen to end their blockade of northern ports in protest at soaring fuel prices.

The package includes reduced social security charges and port fees. The Commission says that although governments are free to decide their own social security systems, they cannot alter charges in response to specific circumstances.

EU rules require the Commission to examine all special state aid schemes to ensure that an industry in one country is not given an unfair advantage.

The blockade sparked angry complaints from the UK and Ireland at the disruption caused to truckers and holiday-makers.

The European Commission is investigating the aid package promised to French fishermen in August amid concern that it may flout EU internal market rules.

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