On Tuesday 17 October, the European Parliament called on China to share more data on the size of its fleet, catches, subsidies and agreements with third countries in order to better combat illegal fishing (see EUROPE 13254/12).
The report by Pierre Karleskind (Renew Europe, French) on the subject was adopted without amendments, with 573 votes in favour, 11 against and 30 abstentions (https://aeur.eu/f/93e ).
The European Commission pointed out that in terms of transparency, “China has taken steps regarding vessels operating solely on the high seas. We should continue to push for transparency on Chinese vessels authorised to operate in coastal states”, said Commissioner Johannes Hahn (https://aeur.eu/f/92s ).
The Commission will carry out a specific study on flags of convenience. “We will continue advocating for a level playing field for EU fishing companies vis-à-vis Chinese companies seeking EU market access”, the Commissioner also promised.
“At least 10 major seafood companies in China have used more than 1,000 Uyghur workers since 2018. A workforce that China exploits and tortures”, denounced Caroline Roose (Greens/EFA, French). Catherine Chabaud (Renew Europe, French) believes that China “refuses to use its voice to support the creation of marine protected areas in Antarctica”. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)