Javier Garat at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

The EESC Approves an Opinion for EU Fisheries Rules to Apply in All Waters

EUROPEAN UNION
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

The opinion was approved today in the Plenary with Spanish Javier Garat, Secretary General of Cepesca, as the rapporteur.

70% of fish products consumed in Europe come from third countries, so the aim is also to protect the community market from fish products obtained through unsustainable practices.

The Plenary of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)¹ has today approved the opinion presented by Javier Garat, rapporteur of the opinion and Secretary General of Cepesca, with Daniel Voces, Director General of Europêche, as advisor, regarding the proposal that amends Regulation (EU) No. 1026/2012 in order to strengthen measures against unsustainable fishing practices carried out by non-EU countries. Thus, the EESC has issued a key opinion that supports this amendment, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of shared fish populations, protecting marine ecosystems, and safeguarding the interests of European fishing communities.

The opinion calls for the geographical expansion of the measures, requesting that the revised rules not be limited to the Northeast Atlantic but also include Mediterranean waters and international zones. This broad approach will ensure that all unsustainable practices are effectively addressed.

Javier Garat, Rapporteur of the EESC Opinion -->

It also proposes stricter tools to sanction unfair practices through import bans and other restrictive measures, always within the limits of the World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines. These tools aim to promote responsible fishing in both European and international waters.

The opinion further emphasizes the need to strengthen coherence between fisheries policies, including Regulation (EC) No. 1005/2008, which combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Additionally, it recommends that relevant advisory councils be immediately informed about the identification of countries allowing unsustainable fishing, ensuring greater involvement of stakeholders.

The opinion highlights that this proposal comes at a crucial moment, with European fishing interests threatened by actions of certain non-EU countries. In particular, Norway is mentioned, whose unilateral management of resources like cod and mackerel has generated significant tensions. The Committee urges the EU to explore strategic partnerships with countries such as Iceland and to link fisheries management to access to the community market as a pressure tool to ensure compliance with international rules.

Specific proposed measures include key legislative amendments, such as requiring third countries to adopt effective control and enforcement measures to ensure the conservation of shared fish populations.

It also calls for the inclusion of clear examples of discriminatory actions, such as the restrictions imposed by Norway on EU fleets while granting benefits to its own vessels.

70% of fish products consumed in Europe come from third countries. Therefore, these measures also aim to protect the community market from fish products obtained through unsustainable practices. The implementation of these measures will not only protect marine ecosystems but also promote a fairer and more balanced trade.

Regulation (EU) No. 1026/2012 was adopted to ensure the conservation of shared fish populations and protect the EU's fishing rights against actions by third countries. However, the increasing aggressiveness of some nations has highlighted the need to review and strengthen this legal framework. In particular, the Regulation has been a key tool in the fight against overfishing and the irresponsible exploitation of marine resources. The current proposal seeks to modernize it and adapt it to current challenges, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14 (life below water) and 12 (responsible consumption and production).

1 The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is an advisory body of the European Union (EU) that allows civil society organizations to express their views and participate in the EU decision-making process. Its main function is to advise the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the European Commission on legislative matters and policies.

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