Communication on the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture sector

Summary:

Communication adopted by the European Commission on 21 February 2023, setting out a strategy seeking to reduce the fisheries and aquaculture sector dependency on fossil fuels.

Further information:

High energy prices in 2022 have affected citizens and businesses across the European Union (EU), especially those highly dependent on energy. As part of its response, the European Commission adopted its REPowerEU action plan, which comprise the reduction of dependency on fossil fuels, the diversification of supplies, and the substitution of fossil fuels with renewable and low-carbon alternatives.

Energy is one of the major cost items in the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. High energy prices led to surging operational costs, putting the sector's economic viability under pressure. Much of it had to rely on financial support provided by the EU Member States and the financial tools mad available at EU level to continue operations. The exceptional circumstances exposed the structural vulnerability across this sector, which involves both high level of energy intensity and dependency on fossil fuels.

Despite the efforts by fisheries and aquaculture operators to engage in reducing energy intensity, their progress has stagnated over the years. A need was identified to accelerate the energy transition through a more coordinated approach, thereby also contributing to the wider objectives of the European Green Deal and its strategies. Energy transition is also part of the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

This Communication puts forward an approach seeking to strengthen the socioeconomic performance and resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, ensure sectoral viability in line with CFP objectives, and improve the sector's contribution towards wider climate and environmental objectives. This strategy requires a partnership between all relevant stakeholders and flexibility to adapt to developments in technology, infrastructure, and energy sources. The Communication presents an enabling framework for energy transition in this sector by identifying and addressing barriers and setting up the structures for long-term cooperation.

The policy document was adopted by the European Commission on 21 February 2023, as part of a legislative package focusing on the sustainability and resilience of the EU's fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 21/02/2023: Fisheries, aquaculture and marine ecosystems: transition to clean energy and ecosystem protection for more sustainability and resilience https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_828

European Commission: Question and Answers on the energy transition in EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors (21 February 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_829

European Commission: Remarks by Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius at the press conference on Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (21 February 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_23_1081

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