European Fisheries Alliance Chairman Gerard van Balsfoort met EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his team. They spoke about the ongoing negotiations on the future relationship with the United Kingdom, during which EUFA restated the importance of reaching an agreement on the wider economic partnership with the United Kingdom that maintains existing mutual access to waters and fishing rights for our fishing fleets.
In an open and frank discussion, they agreed that a balanced, sustainable and long-term solution for fisheries is needed, with the interests of all Member States concerned in mind, and not least the many men and women whose livelihoods depend on it on both sides.
‘I would like to thank Mr. Barnier for his work over the past three years and continued openness to engage with the sector. The next few months be defining for the future of thousands of fishermen, their communities and the value chain linked to fisheries across the EU and we hope that the European Union will continue to take a strong position to protect their future,’ Gerard van Balsfoort stated following the meeting.
‘The current system strikes a fragile but necessary balance between sustainable management of fish stocks, the prosperity of EU and UK fleets and the thousands of jobs in our coastal communities. We should build upon this basis as any upset to this balance will have very real consequences for many livelihoods across the continent.’
Gerard van Balsfoort stressed during the meeting that the European Fisheries sector will continue to work constructively to support Mr. Barnier, the European Commission and the Member States in reaching an agreement on this basis, maintaining both existing access to waters, fishing rights and markets. EUFA emphasised that this is essential to protect the future prosperity of fleets, fishermen, and their communities in the EU and the UK.
