The Commission yesterday presented to Council its Communication on the implementation of the 2006-08 Action Plan for simplifying and improving the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This report summarises the progress made during this period, and outlines how the Commission intends to continue working towards better and simpler fisheries legislation in future. The results achieved so far are encouraging: all the initiatives laid down in the 2006-08 Action Plan were completed. Fisheries legislation has become clearer, and its implementation costs both for administrations and for operators have been reduced. The report also highlights the use of impact assessments as a valuable tool for fine-tuning new legislation in advanc

The European Commission welcomes the results of this morning's Fisheries Council meeting in Luxembourg, at which Council conclusions on sustainable development of EU aquaculture were adopted. Council's support for the Commission's strategy will provide new political impetus for the sustainable development of the sector.