Ulrike Rodust is German Social Democrat MEP who wants to makes Europe’s Fisheries Policy work.
A Failed Putsch
That she is the Fisheries Committee’s lead on the reform of the CFP is a small miracle. The Fisheries Committee traditionally has a Meditereanean air to it. The Conservative Group, the EPP, tried to shut out the Socialists and Greens out at the very start from having any lead role in any report. This putsch against the Parliament’s own rules was led by the Spanish EPP strong woman, Carmen Fraga, the former fishing minister from Galacia.
EP Blocks Med Coup
Whilst democracy may be new to some, the grown up leaders in the EP put a stop to such antics. They forced the fisheries committee to follow the Parliament rules. Mrs Rodust got the lead role. And, after that the EPP tried everything and anything to block reform.
Protecting Franco’s Economic Model?
They are not stupid to try wrecking reform. They know the German Christian Democrats are not interested in the issue of fisheries. Why would anyone be interested in an industry that employs so few? But, the Spanish, who built their industry up under the then dictator Franco, fight to keep this economic creature of the State alive. Perhaps, because if the fishing industry had to live financially by their own guile, and not benefit from the subsidies regime that seemingly keep them alive, would be an admittance that Franco’s last economic legacy is dead.
EPP Work to Block Reform
The EPP are calling for more subsidies for their industry and even support the use of taxpayers money to pay for boat building. They are even working to block Sweden, Norway and Denmark introduce a discards ban.
Now, as a deal between the other political groups seems nearer, Carmen Fraga is seeking to deal progress again. On Monday 12 November, she called for all compromise amendments to be translated. This is strange as this is an issue that has not been raised before. And, to do so at this very late stage, can only be seen as a way to block a vote in the fishing committee on 18 December.
150,000 Pandas Support Reform
You can see Mrs Rodust’s frustration in her letter bellow after WWF’s Petition on CFP Reform.
Good day
Many thanks for your email, and also for your support for an ambitious reform of Europe’s Common Fisheries Policy.
As Parliament’s rapporteur on the fisheries reform, I am putting all my efforts into achieving, finally, a sustainable policy for fisheries so that future generations can still go fishing and eat fish and to ensure very importantly that our marine environment is protected. It is currently my responsibility to lead the compromise negotiations within Parliament for key decisions on this issue and I am doing all I can to convince a majority of my Parliamentary colleagues of the priorities for reform. This is unfortunately no easy task in a Parliament where conservative Members represent by far the largest political grouping. I am therefore particularly grateful for your support – it is so good that the public becomes more and more aware of the need to stop overfishing and ensure a sustainable future for Europe’s fish and fishermen.
With all best wishes
Ulrike Rodust