EU Fisheries Ministers endorses negotiating mandate for tackling unsustainable fishing practices allowed by non-EU countries
The European Union is taking a firm stance against non-sustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries, with the Council of Ministers endorsing a negotiating position to enhance EU measures aimed at safeguarding shared fish stocks.
The decision, agreed upon by EU ambassadors, paves the way for the Council presidency to begin talks with the European Parliament.
A Stronger Framework for Sustainability
The revised framework seeks to strengthen the EU’s tools for addressing overfishing by non-EU countries, particularly those sharing fish stocks of common interest with the bloc. Hungarian Minister for Agriculture István Nagy lauded the initiative, stating:
“The revised rules will help tackle overfishing by non-EU countries and improve the long-term sustainability of the fish stocks we share with countries outside of the EU. Thanks to the improved framework, we are also ensuring fair competition between EU and non-EU fishers and operators.”
Key Revisions in the Proposal
The updated proposal, which amends Regulation (EU) 1226/2012, introduces several significant changes to enhance clarity and effectiveness:
- Definition of Non-Cooperation: It specifies the conditions under which a country can be identified as allowing non-sustainable fishing, such as failing to adopt or implement necessary management and control measures.
- Stronger Enforcement: The framework enables the EU to impose restrictions, including bans on fish imports, against countries failing to manage shared stocks sustainably.
- Improved Collaboration: The proposal emphasizes better cooperation with non-EU countries, both before and after EU measures are enforced, to encourage compliance.
The Council’s position also refines the Commission’s initial proposal by offering detailed examples of non-cooperation in shared fish stock management.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
With the Council’s agreement in place, the focus now shifts to the European Parliament, which must vote on its mandate before negotiations between the two institutions can begin.
Background on the Initiative
The EU has long sought to address non-sustainable fishing practices through Regulation (EU) 1226/2012, which allows for the identification of non-compliant countries and the imposition of import restrictions. The Commission’s proposal, unveiled in September 2024, aims to improve the regulation’s clarity and ensure robust measures to protect marine ecosystems.
This development underscores the EU’s commitment to sustainable fishing and its willingness to enforce fair competition and environmental stewardship on a global scale.
Source: Press Release