At a meeting with representatives of EU Member States on Wednesday 3 June, Europêche voiced its concerns about the future of the sector in the run-up to a reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
With regard to the CFP, Europêche acknowledged the significant environmental progress made by the European fleet over the last twenty years, but states that the policy has not delivered on its promises in socio-economic terms (see EUROPE 13880/14).
According to the organisation, the sector continues to suffer a decline in fleet capacity, employment, production and economic viability in many coastal communities. Europêche says that a number of Member States have indicated that discussions are now focusing on identifying concrete solutions for the future, combining immediate priorities with in-depth reflection to achieve a better balance between environmental, economic and social objectives.
On the subject of simplification, Europêche welcomed the launch of the public consultation on multi-annual management plans, hoping for a rapid revision of measures deemed excessively restrictive and, according to the organisation, contributing to the decline of the fleet, particularly in the Mediterranean. Serious concerns have been expressed about the Fisheries Control Regulation (certain requirements are deemed disproportionate, particularly with regard to weighing rules).
Europêche also reiterated its concerns about the planned reduction in funding for fisheries in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034.
Trade policy played a central role in the exchanges. The organisation expressed its reservations about the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Indonesia, in particular the liberalisation of tuna fillets.
In addition, Europêche welcomed the European Commission’s decision (https://aeur.eu/f/m7k ) on 2 June to recognise that Port Victoria (Seychelles) complies with the European landing control standards set out in the revised Fisheries Control Regulation. This recognition allows for applying the derogation relating to the margin of tolerance for European tropical tuna seiners.
Finally, Europêche expressed its concern at the lack of progress in negotiations with other coastal states on the sharing of mackerel stocks. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)