PRAGMATIC APPROACH ON BREXIT NEEDED SAY EUROPEAN FISHERS

A pragmatic approach on Brexit needed, say European fishers, calling on both the EU and UK to avoid at all costs a no deal Brexit.

A statement by the European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) on last week’s vote in the UK parliament rejecting the EU/UK deal, pointed out that there is still a majority in the UK Parliament against a no-deal situation and all parties to avoid such a scenario.

In a statement, the grouping. Said : “Fish, by nature, is a shared, finite and fragile natural resource. We are convinced that our British colleagues, as well as the UK and EU leaders share our aim to preserve sustainable fish stocks and the long-term viability of the industry as a whole. Many local communities across the UK and EU are highly dependent on fisheries and securing their future should be the shared goals of decision makers on both sides of the negotiation table.

“A no-deal situation will have grave effects on the seafood industry in the United Kingdom and the European Union. The European Fisheries Alliance calls upon the European Commission and the Member States to adequately prepare for all scenarios including putting a suite of mitigation measures in place in the event of a hard Brexit, aimed at our fleets, our fishing communities and our value chain.

“We further hope that following the rejection of the Brexit deal by the UK Parliament both sides are able and willing to turn their attention to developing and agreeing on a future and comprehensive bilateral fisheries and trade agreement on the basis of the agreement reached between EU and UK negotiators in November 2018.”

EUFA Chairman Gerard van Balsfoort stated that: “Despite UK Parliament’s clear rejection of the Brexit agreement proposed by PM Theresa May we believe strongly in a negotiated deal between the UK and EU-27 that fully reflects the fisheries elements in both the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration. We stand ready to do our part and to contribute to such a negotiated deal. The relationship with our UK colleagues has always been grounded in reciprocity, understanding and reasoned discussion and we are confident that this will continue after Brexit.

 “A mutually beneficial trade and fisheries agreement in the context of the overall economic partnership between the EU and the UK remains our key outcome. However, in light of the grave consequences of a no-deal exit of the UK we call upon the European Commission and the Member States to prepare mitigating measures to protect EU fishermen and their communities.”

The European Fisheries Alliance is a coalition of European fishing fleets directly impacted by Brexit. Our current members include fishermen organizations from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. The Alliance accounts for over 18,000 fishermen and 3,500 vessels across the up and downstream industry, with an annual turnover €20.7 billion.