European Parliament negotiators and the Austrian Presidency of the Council discussed on Thursday 4 October a compromise text on technical fisheries measures, with a controversial solution on electric fishing (see EUROPE 12049).
Yannick Jadot (Greens/EFA, France) denounced the solution under discussion in the draft compromise text, which, in his opinion, does not respect the European Parliament's position in favour of banning this fishing technique.
This compromise is "excessively backed", reacted one source, who denounced the many exemptions granted. France must react, says this source, as it is opposed to electric fishing.
The compromise under discussion in these three-way talks proposes banning electric fishing, but only after 31 December 2021.
However, the modalities actually allow not only to continue to practice this fishing method, but also to extend it in the future, Mr Jadot protests. Electric trawling could continue within the current limit of 5% of the beam trawl fleets in each Member State. In addition, electric fishing would enjoy an exceptional regime allowing it to be renewed with the sole constraint of "following a specific scientific protocol reviewed or validated by scientists". This compromise is being promoted by Dutch industrialists and the Dutch government, according to Mr Jadot. (original version in French by Lionel Changeur)