16/04/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 16 April, the European Parliament approved by a very large majority (571 votes in favour, 60 against and 20 abstentions), the Interinstitutional Agreement on technical measures used by fisheries within the European Union, which specifically prohibits fishing using electric trawls as of 1 July 2021 (see EUROPE 12235/5). “The deal [between EU institutions] was a ban, but a progressive one, so that fishermen have time to adapt to it. And it does not impede much-needed innovation” explained Gabriel Mato (EPP, Spain), the Parliament rapporteur for this issue. Before being published in the Official Journal of the European Union (around mid-2019), this compromise text between institutions has yet to be formally adopted by the Council of the EU (see EUROPE 12200/18). (DG - intern)