Strong Dutch Representation on PECH Committee Welcomed

Dutch fishermen’s association, Nederlandse Visserbond, has expressed satisfaction with the strong representation of the Netherlands in the European Fisheries Committee (PECH), following the European elections held on 06 June.

The composition of the various committees, including the PECH, has been determined based on the new structure of the European Parliament.

The PECH committee, responsible for the common fisheries policy and the conservation of fish stocks among other things, consists of 27 members. Of these, four are from the Netherlands, marking a significant representation for the country. The Dutch members include Ton Diepeveen (PVV), Anja Hazekamp (PvdD), Bert-Jan Ruissen (SGP), and Sander Smit (BBB).

Ruissen and Hazekamp bring their prior experience as members of the PECH to the table, while for Diepeveen and Smit, this is a new journey. Smit, however, is not entirely new to the workings of the PECH, having previously served as a policy officer for Annie Schreier-Pierik, a member of the PECH committee in the previous term.

In a recent development, Sander Smit was nominated by the European People’s Party and subsequently elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Fisheries Committee. Smit also holds positions on the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, and the Committee on Home Affairs and Justice.

The Dutch Fishermen’s Association has welcomed the new members and expressed its pleasure over Ruissen’s return to the committee. The MEPs have been invited to an introductory meeting to familiarise themselves with the Dutch fisheries sector. This strong representation is seen as a positive step towards the interests of the Netherlands in the European Fisheries Commission.

The strong Dutch representation on the PECH can have significant impacts on Dutch fisheries policies.

Here are a few potential implications:

• Influence on Policy Decisions: With four members in the PECH committee, the Netherlands has a stronger voice in shaping the common fisheries policy and the conservation of fish stocks. This could lead to more policies that align with the interests of the Dutch fisheries sector.
• Experience and Expertise: The Dutch members, particularly Ruissen and Hazekamp, bring their prior experience to the committee. This expertise can contribute to more informed and effective policy decisions.
• Vice-Chairmanship: Sander Smit’s election as the Vice-Chairman of the Fisheries Committee places the Netherlands in a position of influence, potentially allowing for greater advocacy for Dutch interests.
• Inter-committee Collaboration: Smit’s positions on other committees, such as the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, and the Committee on Home Affairs and Justice, could facilitate cross-committee collaborations, potentially leading to more holistic and effective policies impacting the fisheries sector.
• Local Engagement: The Dutch Fishermen’s Association’s invitation to the MEPs for an introductory meeting suggests a willingness for dialogue and collaboration between policy-makers and the local fisheries sector. This could lead to policies that are more attuned to the needs and realities of the Dutch fisheries sector.

However, it’s important to note that the impact of this representation will also depend on various factors such as the evolution of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), market conditions, availability of fish in EU waters, and accessibility to non-EU waters. These factors pose challenges for EU policymakers and will influence the course of the fishing sector.

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