Ref. Ares(2018)5255357 - 12/10/2018
To:
AGUIAR MACHADO Joao (MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE)
Cc:
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE);
(MARE-EXT);
(MARE)
Subject:
Minutes - Bilateral meeting between Joao AGUIAR MACHADO, DG MARE, and
Johan OSINGA, new NL DG (12/10/2018)
Bilateral meeting between Joao AGUIAR MACHADO, Director-General of DG MARE, and Johan
OSINGA, new Director-General Nature, Fisheries and Rural Areas of the NL Ministry of Agriculture -
Minutes (12/10/2018, BASIS: MARE/1950)
NL side: Johan OSINGA (Director-General), Ronald VAN ROEDEN (DPR),
(NL Ministry of
Agriculture),
COM side: Joao AGUIAR MACHADO (Director-General),
,
This was a courtesy visit from the new NL Director General to introduce himself. The discussion
focussed on pulse fishing, the Commission proposal on a new EMFF 2021-2027, DG MARE’s priorities
for the next Commission, Brexit, and December Council.
NL were interested to get Commission’s views on the state of play following the last trilogue on
Technical Measures (04/10), in particular on
pulse fishing. NL considered the paragraph on the review
clause as an essential element of the Presidency compromise on pulse. They also confirmed that they
would like the Austrian Presidency to conclude the file and that a deal with FR on pulse is possible. DG
MARE replied that the issue of pulse fishing has become highly political in the European Parliament and
thus it remains difficult to predict the outcome of negotiations. On having a transitional period, DG
MARE agreed that such a measure would be indeed reasonable.
NL are looking at ways on how to stimulate efforts with neighbouring countries to have a more
integrated approach in the
North Sea by 2030, listing key challenges such as fisheries but also Brexit,
Landing Obligation, blue economy (wind farms). DG MARE welcomed this strategy and informed the NL
that internal reflections are ongoing on what priorities the next Commission would be (impact of climate
change on fisheries, etc.). Also Oceans are one of the four topics selected for the next Horizon Europe
research programme. Any inputs from NL on these reflections are welcome.
NL expressed their support to the Commission proposal for the
EMFF 2021-2027 and focussed on
simplification of procedures. They explained that the low implementation of the current EMFF results
from some funding which faced paybacks due to the level of details of the procedure. On this, DG MARE
pointed out that a key element of the proposal is to provide only a list of actions which cannot be
funded, leaving more flexibility for operators.
Mr OSINGA reiterated their worries about
Brexit and the fact that fisheries could be used as trade-offs
in the negotiations. DG MARE recalled that the Task-Force, incl. Mr BARNIER, is well aware of the
sensitiveness of this sector.
NL referred to the important impact of the full implementation of the Landing Obligation in view of the
December Council. While fully-documented fisheries can help in this regard, the Commission needs to
provide support. Finally, they were also disappointed that the extension of the discard plans were only
for one year.
Author:
(E2)