On Wednesday 10 January, the Council of the European Union adopted by written procedure the two regulations on fishing opportunities in 2024 in the waters of the Atlantic (including the Channel and the North Sea) and the Mediterranean. Italy voted against the two regulations on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) 2024, while Greece abstained on both texts as well (see EUROPE 13312/6).
In a statement, Italy explains why it is voting against both texts: “Socio-economic factors have not been properly taken into account, jeopardising fishing fleets in the western Mediterranean and jeopardising the employment situation for coastal communities”.
At the same time, several EU countries have noted with concern a downward trend in fishing opportunities and an increase in zero catches. “The socio-economic consequences for fishermen and their communities are considerable”, according to these countries (Belgium, Denmark, Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal – see EUROPE 13322/8). The two texts will be published in the Official Journal of the EU on Thursday 11 January. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)