According to a non-binding resolution adopted by fisheries MEPs this week, all fisheries products imported into the EU should meet the high standards imposed by the EU law.
The group of fisheries MEPs have stated that additional control measures need to be implemented by the Commission to ensure the compliance of fisheries and aquaculture products from third countries with EU conservation and management standards and hygiene requirements.
The group has also called on the Commission and member states to intensify their efforts to ensure greater harmonised implementation of existing legislations, with the aim of applying EU law at all stages of the supply chain. The EU is the world’s largest market for fisheries and aquaculture production, and in 2016 absorbed 24% of global imports. EU member states rely on imported production for more than 60% of overall seafood consumption.
The non-legislative resolution was drafted by vice-chair of the Committee on Fisheries Linnéa Engström (Greens/EFA, SV) and it was adopted by 17 votes to 3 with 3 abstentions. It is expected to be put to the plenary vote in May.
The MEPs state that extending control regulation on imported fisheries products would promote a fairer competition, in a way to avoid a discriminatory market that could adversely affect EU fishermen and fish farmers. They suggest increased and improved controls on fisheries and aquaculture products, ensuring that all products marketed in Europe comply with the same conservation and management measures, while this equal treatment would help third countries raise high standards for sustainable exploitation of marine resources by working to the same requirements and conditions that apply to EU production.
The resolution also calls on the Commission to ensure close co-ordination between the Union’s trade and fisheries policies, including during the negotiation of trade agreements with third countries involving fisheries matters.
