MEPs visit Denmark from 26-28 May to meet fishermen and scientific bodies, preparing for Danish Council presidency challenges
MEPs Visit Denmark to Probe Challenges Facing Fishermen and Scientific Bodies
A delegation of six Members of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee will visit Denmark from 26 to 28 May to assess challenges confronting Danish fishermen and engage with scientific organisations ahead of Denmark’s Council presidency.
On Monday, the MEPs will meet representatives of the Danish Fisheries Organisation and Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation in Skagen. Northern Jutland’s pelagic and demersal fishing communities are currently grappling with restricted access to UK fishing waters and strained relations with Norway. The delegation will also tour one of the world’s largest fishmeal and fish oil producers.
Tuesday’s agenda includes visits to the Hirtshals Fish Auction and a flume tank facility, accompanied by experts from the National Institute of Aquatic Resources. Discussions will take place with Danish Fisheries Minister Jacob Jensen and European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis.
The final day will see the delegation in Copenhagen visiting the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). These organisations provide crucial environmental data and scientific advice supporting EU fisheries management. The MEPs will also meet representatives from Danish sport and small-scale coastal fisheries.
Emma Wiesner (Renew, Sweden), leading the delegation, stated: “Understanding the daily realities faced by fishermen and engaging with scientific bodies like ICES and EEA is vital. The upcoming Danish presidency offers an opportunity to address the many challenges our oceans face with robust, science-based policies.”
The delegation includes MEPs Emma Wiesner, Paulo do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, Portugal), Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR, Netherlands), Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA, Sweden), alongside Danish MEPs Asger Christensen (Renew) and Rasmus Nordqvist (Greens/EFA).
Source: PECH Committee
