Brussels, 12/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - EU fisheries ministers hope on Monday 15 July to agree on a second general approach to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for 2014-2020. In October 2012, the ministers decided on general guidelines for most issues (see EUROPE 10717), but still need to decide on how the €6.5 billion budget is to be divided up.
The Council needs to finalise its position on EFMAF Articles 15 to 17: - budget resources under shared management (some €5.5 billion has been provisionally planned, including €4.5 billion for fisheries and fish farming and up to 20% of resources for the integrated maritime policy); - budget resources under direct management (€1 billion); - the financial breakdown for shared management (calculation methods). The Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of Ministers is not planning to re-negotiate the October 2012 general approach. The EP will decide on its negotiating position for the EMFF in October (see EUROPE 10885), after which negotiations will begin between the EU institutions.
At the Council meeting, the European Commission will present a consultation document on fishing options for 2014. Ireland, the United Kingdom, France and Spain would like to hear from the Commission on its recent discussions with Iceland and its intentions regarding the imposition of trade sanctions to Iceland and the Faroe Islands concerning the management of the North-East Atlantic mackerel stock. (LC/transl.fl)