ClientEarth’s response to the Commission roadmap: Maritime sector – a green post-COVID future

ClientEarth welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to the roadmap published by the European Commission on a new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the European Union.

In our reply, we highlight the need to meet the European Green Deal objectives at sea by:

• Removing the fuel tax exemption for fishing vessels in the Energy Taxation Directive;
• Adopting an ambitious Action Plan to conserve fisheries resources and protect marine ecosystems;
• Enhancing traceability of fisheries products under the Farm to Fork strategy.

We also underline the need to foster a green economic and social recovery. To that end, EU funds should not be spent on harmful fisheries subsidies, and enough resources should be allocated to protect and restore marine biodiversity.