Amid rumours that the European Union is prepared to allow Iceland permanent exceptions to EU fisheries legislation as part of potential membership negotiations, the Irish fishing sector is arguing for Ireland to get the same treatment.
The Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) has stated that it would strongly oppose any accession deal that grants Iceland enhanced fisheries protections if this weakenes Ireland’s position.
‘There cannot be one set of rules for Iceland and another for Ireland, said IFPO chief executive Aodh O’Donnell. ‘If Europe is prepared to recognise that the CFP does not fit Iceland, then it is time to recognise that it has failed many Irish fishing communities as well.’
Reports are that EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis has indicated there is scope for flexibility on CFP rules to facilitate Icelandic membership, and IFPO has called on the Irish Government to immediately seek exemptions for Ireland from the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Aodh O’Donnell said they would not necessarily oppose a move by the European Commission to grant Iceland special treatment, if Ireland were to receive the same treatment.
‘Such a move would amount to a tacit admission that the CFP is incapable of serving the interests of island nations with substantial marine resources,’ he said.
‘If the European Commission accepts that the CFP cannot work for Iceland, then it must also acknowledge that the CFP is not working for Ireland. Ireland is an island nation with one of Europe’s richest marine resources. Yet for decades we have seen our fishing opportunities diminish while others benefit from access to our waters. If Iceland deserves a bespoke arrangement to protect its fishing industry, then Ireland deserves the same.’
He commented that for years Irish fishers have been told that the CFP cannot be changed.
‘We have been told there is no flexibility. We have been told quota shares are fixed. Yet when a strategically important country seeks to join the EU, the Commission suddenly discovers flexibility,’ he said.
‘Our fleet has endured repeated sacrifices in the name of European solidarity. We cannot accept a situation where Ireland continues to absorb losses while a new entrant negotiates preferential protections that have never been offered to existing Member States.’
IFPO warns that any derogation for Iceland could create a precedent with profound implications for fisheries policy across Europe.
‘If special arrangements are available for Iceland because of its geography, dependence on fisheries and unique marine resources, then those same arguments apply equally to Ireland,’ he argued.
‘The Irish Government must seize this opportunity. It should demand a comprehensive review of Ireland’s position within the CFP and pursue equivalent derogations that restore greater national control over our fisheries resources, protect coastal communities and deliver a fairer share of the wealth generated from our waters.’
