16/04/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 16 April, the European Union requested the opening of consultations with the United Kingdom, under the dispute settlement mechanism of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), concerning the UK's decision to ban sandeel fishing. In force since 26 March, the closure on sandeel fishing covers English North Sea waters and Scottish waters. This measure considerably restricts the access of EU vessels to this fishery. If the consultations fail to reach a satisfactory solution within 30 days, the EU may request the creation of a panel to rule on the compatibility of the UK's measures with the TCA. (LC)