On Monday 5 July, the European Commission adopted a proposal (https://bit.ly/3dMs32F ) to extend the restrictions on access to EU waters for ten years.
Article 5 of Regulation 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) establishes that Member States may, within their 12-nautical-mile zone (territorial waters), derogate from the general rule of equal access of EU fishing vessels to EU waters and resources.
The derogation allows Member States to restrict fishing in the 12-mile zone to certain vessels. The Commission argues that the restrictions put in place by Member States on the basis of the derogation have reduced fishing pressure in the most biologically sensitive areas and have contributed to the economic stability of small-scale coastal activities.
A similar derogation is provided for waters within 100 nautical miles of the baselines of the outermost regions of the European Union.
As these derogations are applicable until 31 December 2022, the proposal is aimed at avoiding the interruption of the specific access regime provided for.
In addition, it is proposed that Annex I of Regulation 1380/2013 be amended, to take into account the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU, and arrangements between Italy and Greece concerning the access of Italian fishing vessels to Greek territorial waters. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)