According to the European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA), the deal agreed between the EU and the UK is a significant blow that leaves the industry facing an uncertain future.
‘Details of the deal notwithstanding, it is clear from what we know that this is a dark day for the European fishing industry. The loss of a significant part of our fishing rights, built up over many generations of fishermen, is a huge blow that leaves thousands of livelihoods hanging in the balance,’ said EUFA chairman Gerard van Balsfoort.
‘On top of this, the extremely short transition period leaves us facing further uncertainty and hardship in the very near future.’
He commented that this deal does not provide any long term certainty, as the entire agreement could be back in the balance in only five years.
‘This will stifle investment in our sector and coastal communities and completely leaves open the questions of long-term collaborative sustainable management of fish stocks,’ he said.
‘We call upon the European Commission and the Member States to take all the necessary measures, financial and political to secure the long-term future of our industry.’
