Brussels, 16/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Several EU countries, including France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Ireland have denounced the irresponsible attitude displayed by Iceland (and the Faroe Islands) with regard to managing stocks of North-East Atlantic mackerel and have called for trade sanctions to be swiftly implemented. On Tuesday 16 July, Iceland's prime minister and José Manuel Barroso tried to calm things down.
The EU has criticised Iceland from granting itself (since 2008) significant North-East Atlantic mackerel quotas, irrespective of all agreements between coastal countries (123,000 tonnes in 2013, 22.7% of the total allowable catch based on scientific recommendations).
Iceland's prime minister, Sigmundur Davio Gunnlaugsson, believes that it is unlikely that the EU will impose sanctions on his country, especially if these breach WTO and European Economic Area (EEA) rules: “We remain committed to a positive approach finding a negotiated solution and addition to that I think Iceland could serve as an example when it comes to fisheries”.
The president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, explained that “we think stocks are in danger” and that “the EC will explore all possible measures to find a balanced solution and ensure sustainability”. He also warned the Icelandic authorities that “we want a negotiated agreement. Therefore, we will not tolerate unilateral action from partner countries”. No decision has as yet been taken concerning possible sanctions, added Barroso. The commissioner for fisheries, Maria Damanaki, has in fact launched inter-service procedures for reaching a decision on the question. The Commission president remains committed to a negotiated settlement and has invited Iceland and other partner countries to contact the Commission as soon as possible. (LC/transl.fl)