The President of the Government considered today that the visit of the European Parliament Fisheries Committee to the Azores is "extremely important" insofar as it will make MEPs better acquainted with the Region's position on the measures and policies adopted for the sector.

"This is a visit that we consider extremely important, not only to help us understanding the approach of MEPs regarding the Common Fisheries Policy, which has an impact in the Azores, but also because we will have the opportunity to convey the Regional Government's concerns on some decisions made by the Community institutions," said Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government spoke journalists in Ponta Delgada, after receiving in audience a delegation of the European Parliament Fisheries Committee that began today a visit to the Azores. The initiative was organised by MEP Ricardo Serrão Santos.

Vasco Cordeiro recalled that the European Parliament has increased its powers at the level of co-decision and supervision of the activities developed by the European Commission. In this context, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that “EU decision-makers should be aware" that the positions taken by the Region in the area of Fisheries are based on scientific data; the latter result from the cooperation with the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries at the University of the Azores.

"This is an approach that is scientifically grounded in aspects such as quotas and maximum catch ceilings," assured the President of the Government. Vasco Cordeiro emphasised that the Region presented economic arguments that take into consideration the sustainability of resource exploration, which is one of the most valuable assets of the Azores that is embodied in the Fisheries policy.

A second aspect addressed at the meeting concerned the new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (FEAMP), which is the only European fund that does not give special attention to Outermost Region in terms of reimbursement rates.

"The fact that the inclusion of this fund in POSEI Fisheries demands increased procedures and bureaucracy hinders the implementation of this fund at an administrative level," warned the President of the Government.

On the occasion of the visit of MEPs to the Azores, Vasco Cordeiro took the opportunity to address the issue concerning the end of the milk quota system, "one of the most important challenges the Region is facing."

"The European Commission should pay special attention, not only from the standpoint of the economic sector but also from the standpoint of what this decision represents in terms of the social reality of the Azores," stressed the President of the Government.