The EU’s Advisory Councils have issued a joint letter urging enhanced engagement with the European Commission
Advisory Councils Urge Enhanced Engagement with the European Commission
In a joint letter addressed to Ms. Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of DG MARE in the European Commission, the North Western Waters Advisory Council, the North Sea Advisory Council, the Market Advisory Council, the Pelagic Advisory Council, the Long Distance Advisory Council with other Advisory Councils (ACs) express their appreciation for the increased frequency of Inter-AC meetings and the production of written minutes, emphasising the crucial role played by the ACs.
The letter aims to collectively communicate the ACs’ reflections on further improving active engagement between the Commission and the councils.
Established and funded by the European Union, ACs are tasked with providing advice based on consensus from a broad membership of stakeholders, including industry and other interest groups. The ACs highlight the importance of reflecting diverging opinions when reaching a consensus is not feasible.
During the Inter-AC meeting on October 10, 2023, members expressed a desire for increased time allocation to engage in discussions with Ms. Vitcheva. The ACs emphasise the need for more time, especially concerning the opening address and discussions on the Control Regulation. Time constraints and limited online participation hindered a comprehensive exchange between Commission services and the full AC membership.
The ACs suggest that sharing detailed discussion topics well in advance of Inter-AC meetings would enable councils to formulate a joint response from their membership. They also express gratitude for participating as observers in the Joint Special Group meeting on October 6, 2023, between Commission services and national administrations of Member States. However, the ACs would have appreciated prior information on the time allocated to each council.
The letter recalls previous recommendations made by ACs regarding concrete actions to incentivise participation and enhance visibility. In response to these considerations, the ACs recommend that the Commission:
- Recognise the special stakeholder status of ACs as stipulated in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
- Validate this status by allocating sufficient time, spots, and opportunities to ACs’ representatives in meetings with the Commission.
- Inform ACs before meetings on how discussions will be organised, providing clear and detailed agendas, information on time available for ACs’ interventions, and expectations in terms of input.
- Present important pieces of legislation to the ACs most concerned, regionally or by subject-matter, fostering in-depth dialogue with members.
The ACs commit to exploring coordination possibilities to minimise duplication and express willingness to discuss these recommendations further during the next Inter-AC meeting in the first semester of 2024. The letter concludes with gratitude for Ms. Vitcheva’s consideration of the recommendations.
