The European Commission said on Wednesday 6 October that it was holding talks with the parties in order to find a solution to the dispute between France and the UK over the number of fishing licences to be granted in UK waters.
France believes that the UK has not granted enough licences to French fishers so that they can catch fish in UK waters.
Top priority. A spokeswoman for the European Commission, Vivian Loonela, told the press that finding a solution to the fisheries dispute remained “a top priority”.
The UK has published its methodology for issuing fishing licences to French vessels and “we are discussing with our colleagues the rights of the specific boats involved”, continued the spokesperson. And to re-emphasise: “On our side we remain engaged to achieve a solution to this issue as soon as possible, and make sure that the interests of our fishermen/women are respected in this”.
France referred to ongoing discussions that could lead to retaliatory measures being taken against the UK (see EUROPE 12805/14, 12802/3). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)