05/06/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 4 June, the Council of Ministers of the EU gave its approval, without debate, to the text of a draft ministerial declaration (the “Sofia Declaration”) that will be the position to be taken by the EU and its member states at the high-level conference on Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture in Sofia on 6-7 June. The Council also authorised the Commission to sign the declaration on behalf of the European Union. The objective of the declaration is to enhance cooperation on Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture, including on data collection, establishment of an ecosystem-based fisheries framework, support to sustainable small-scale fisheries and aquaculture and greater solidarity. (LC)