Estonia to Sue European Commission Over Fishing Investments
The Cabinet voted Thursday to take legal action against the European Union for stopping payments from the European Fisheries Fund for the 2007-13 period.
Agriculture Minister Ivari Padar said at a government press conference that the disputed sum is 450,000 euros. Padar said the Commission claims Estonia has approved investments not acceptable to the Commission.
Padar said the government has written evidence of exactly what type of investments were allowed by the Commission.
The Commission decided on May 14 this year to stop payments, as the payouts made by Estonia did not meet its criteria, adding that there are also flaws in the leadership and monitoring systems. The decision also outlined a number measures Estonia has to adopt to escape further punishment.