22/05/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 22 May, EU delegations decided to postpone their vote on a proposal to close a number of areas to fishing until October (see EUROPE 13413/10). The proposal will therefore be examined at the next meeting of the Marine Strategy Coordination Group, in October 2024. “The threat of completely closing 10% of all fishing zones has been adjourned”, said a delighted European Bottom Fishing Alliance (EBFA). According to this organisation, “many Member States” have indicated that, because of the significant implications for the fishing fleet and food production, extensive consultations and discussions should be held, in particular with stakeholders in the fisheries sector. This period allows a more thorough examination of the proposal’s potential impacts. (LC)