The EU Fisheries Ministers failed, on Monday 26 June in Luxembourg, to unanimously adopt conclusions analysing the documents on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Only Italy has indicated that it cannot accept this text. In fact, these are conclusions from the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council supported by 26 countries (see EUROPE 13204/8).
Italy regretted that the European Commission did not take sufficient account of the effects of certain measures on the fisheries sector, in particular those contained in the European Commission’s action plan on marine ecosystems. The Commission has suggested restricting the use of bottom trawls in marine protected areas (MPAs).
The French delegation welcomed the agreed text. It thanked the European Commissioner for Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, for specifying that “there will be no ban on towed gear in Natura 2000 areas in 2024 and in marine protected areas in 2030”. France also considers that socio-economic impact studies of the measures are likely to affect fishing activities. France referred to the detailed rules on the “turtle exclusion scheme” and stressed the importance of a level playing field at international level (similar measures for seafood imports).
For the Spanish minister, Luis Planas, “MPAs can be compatible with bottom trawl fishing”.
Ireland is concerned about the Commission’s intention to ban bottom trawling. Scientific data is needed, according to Ireland, which also welcomed the text of the conclusions, which calls on the Commission to carry out an exhaustive analysis of the consequences of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on the operation of the CFP. The adjustment period ends in 2026, said Commissioner Sinkevičius on EU/UK fisheries relations.
To see the conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/7qj (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)