The French government said, on Monday 13 December, that it would discuss with fishermen the “strategy” to be adopted for the last fishing licences not yet granted by the UK to fish in British waters.
“We still have a few dozen to go, around 60”, said the French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, after 23 licences were obtained on Saturday 11 December (see EUROPE 12851/5). The European Commission confirmed these figures in a statement (https://bit.ly/31VIxma ), stating that France had obtained 83 licences in the last month.
“Now we are discussing with the fishermen the last mile of this negotiation. It can be dialogue on some licences and it can be legal disputes on others”, he added.
France had already threatened to initiate a procedure at European level if it did not get a gesture from the British, who finally gave up a little bit this weekend with 23 additional licences. So far, France has obtained 1,027 licences. On Monday 13 December, the Commission and France expect to obtain confirmation of a further seven licences for replacement vessels within 6-12 miles.
“Between now and Wednesday, we are meeting the fishermen with Minister Annick Girardin to define with the professionals, with the elected representatives of the regions concerned, the final stage of this strategy of pressure and dialogue”, continued Clément Beaune.
The government also spoke on Saturday of “efforts to accompany the profession”. In November, the Minister of the Sea, Ms Girardin, had mentioned compensating fishermen who would not obtain their licence, through ‘fleet exit plans’ (aid for the destruction of boats).
Under the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, EU fishermen can continue to work in UK waters provided they can prove that they used to fish there. However, the French and British disagree on the evidence needed. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)