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EU Initiates Consultations with UK Over Closure of Sandeel Fishery
The European Union has taken action against the United Kingdom’s decision to permanently close the sandeel fishery, marking a significant development in the ongoing fisheries dispute post-Brexit.
Today, the EU formally requested consultations with the UK under the dispute settlement mechanism of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) to address the issue.
The UK’s decision, effective since 26 March 2024, to close the sandeel fishery in English waters within the North Sea and all Scottish waters has raised concerns about its compatibility with the principles and obligations outlined in the TCA. This closure significantly limits access for EU vessels to this fishery, prompting the EU to question its compliance with agreed-upon measures for the conservation of marine living resources.
Under the TCA, both the EU and the UK have committed to implementing evidence-based, proportionate, and non-discriminatory measures to conserve marine resources. The EU remains committed to cooperating with the UK to achieve these objectives and seeks to resolve the matter amicably through consultations.
Danish MEP Asger Christensen, a key figure in advocating for EU action, expressed his frustration over the UK’s decision, labeling it a breach of the Brexit agreement. Earlier today he said:
“It totally pissed me off, when Britain announced earlier this year that they would close the sandeel fishery in British waters.
“I had no doubt: It was a clear Brexit agreement between the EU and the UK.
“I have agreed with that from the Commission, which for the first time in history is launching a case against Britain.”
He hailed the EU’s decision to initiate consultations, emphasising the importance of holding the UK accountable for its commitments. Christensen stressed the need for the UK to reopen the sandeel fishery, ensuring that Danish fishermen can exercise their rights as outlined in the Brexit Agreement. Christensen remarked:
“For me, the only acceptable solution is for the UK to open up the tobacco fishery. Danish fishermen should be able to fish what they are entitled to with the Brexit Agreement.
“Thank you for good cooperation to both our minister Jacob Jensen and the EU Commissioner of Fisheries,” he concluded.
The request for consultations marks the formal beginning of proceedings under the TCA’s dispute settlement mechanism. If consultations fail to yield a satisfactory solution within 30 days, the EU may request the establishment of an arbitration tribunal to adjudicate on the matter.
Källa: The Fishing Daily