The European Parliament’s Fisheries PECH Committee members have elected their new Chair, following the departure of the former Chair due to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Oceanographer Pierre Karleskind (Renew Europe, FR) was elected to the position.
‘I would like to thank my colleagues for their trust. This mandate will be particularly heavy when it comes to fisheries. First of all, we have to negotiate a new fisheries agreement with the United Kingdom before 1st July this year. We request reciprocal access to waters, meaning the same situation as we have now – nothing more, nothing less. With this being one condition for concluding the economic partnership,’ Pierre Karleskind said following his election.
‘The oceans, the seas and their resources are in a critical state. We have to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries in Europe and across the world. The works of our Fisheries Committee, carried out in cooperation with the fishing sector, NGO’s and researchers, must drive the transformation of our Common Fisheries Policy.’
In addition to presiding over committee and coordinators’ meetings, the Chair represents the committee both within and outside Parliament and presides over legislative negotiations led by the committee. The Chair has authority over voting procedures and rules on the admissibility of amendments.
Committee Chair and Vice-Chairs form the bureau, which is responsible for their respective committee’s smooth functioning. The committee bureau holds office for two and a half years.
