The European Commission said on Monday 25 October that it hoped to resolve the issue of UK fishing licences for French fishermen as quickly as possible.
France believes that the UK is not respecting the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and is not issuing enough licences to allow French professionals access to the 6-12 mile and Channel Islands zones.
France has threatened to retaliate against the UK if the problem is not resolved by 1 November (see EUROPE 12814/8). The French government is threatening to cut electricity supplies to the island of Jersey, and to target its key financial services sector.
At this stage, the Commission favours the negotiation route, by scheduling meetings with the UK to find common ground.
The Commission wants to solve the problem “to address the concerns of EU-based and British fishermen. The issue is complex, especially for small vessels” (proof of fishing activity must be provided to the British), a Commission spokesperson said.
The UK and Jersey authorities have so far granted 200 licences to French professionals, leaving the fate of a further 230 pending. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)