The European Commission is proposing a revision of the EU tools designed to address unsustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries on fish stocks of common interest.
According to the Commission, this revision will make the current tools more effective and reinforce the good governance and sustainability of the oceans.
The Commission’s proposal is to amend Regulation (EU) 1026/2012 to clarify the conditions needed to identify a country allowing non-sustainable fishing practices on fish stocks of common interest. Countries identified as such can ultimately be sanctioned by EU restrictive measures, including import bans.
The Commission states that this mechanism aims to address the long-term sustainability of shared fish stocks in a non-discriminatory manner. It also aims at ensuring fair competition between operators in the EU and in non-EU countries.
‘The proposed changes aim to strengthen the regulation by providing clearer guidelines for triggering restrictive measures,’ the Commission states.
‘This will ensure that non-EU countries are aware of the specific conditions under which their fishing practices may lead to EU sanctions.’
