Ahead of the informal meeting of European fisheries ministers on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 March in Bruges, Belgium, the Europêche organisation has sent its contribution to the debate on the future of Europe’s fishing industry.
Europêche is sharing its thoughts and priorities for the European Parliament’s next term of office, 2024-2029.
“Now, fishers are joining the protests against shared concerns regarding excessive EU regulations, pricing and costs pressures, and the EU support for cheap seafood imports from third countries with increasing tax derogations regardless of the fact that these imports are not subject to the same EU sustainability standards the EU fishermen have to comply with”, the document reads.The document also calls for a “surgical revision” of the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), including those on compulsory landings. Europêche is also asking the EU to remove the uncertainties linked to Brexit and preparations for the post-2026 period (quota transfers to the UK end in 2025).
Another important area of work, according to the organisation, is to provide EU support and a fleet renewal plan to help the sector implement sustainable fishing and decarbonise its vessels.
Link to the document: https://aeur.eu/f/bgg (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)