Europe’s regions have outlined “key” messages that they say should be a baseline for the forthcoming negotiations between the EU and the UK on a post-Brexit fisheries agreement.
They set out the demands on 14 November, on the occasion of the 30th General Assembly of the Atlantic Arc Commission (AAC).
Regions of the Atlantic Arc adopted a Political Declaration on Brexit and Fisheries, aimed at setting down their Brexit principles.
A statement reads, “This declaration urges negotiators to aim for the highest recognised standards for the preservation of natural ecosystems, and sustainable fisheries economies and invites the UK Government to provide clarity on the future direction of the international aspects of British fisheries policy. Atlantic regions also call for a flexible transition period, and request flexibility from the European Institutions in a context of uncertainty.
Rosa Quintana, Regional Minister for Maritime Affairs of the Government of Galicia said: “the uncertainties that derive from Brexit are not only worrisome for fisheries activities, but also for regional supply chains and consumers, which depend on market stability and high sanitary standards.”
Vanessa Charbonneau, Vice-President of Pays de la Loire Region, said, “the fisheries sector faces increased social and economic challenges, in the context of immediate and long term Brexit uncertainties, particularly in implementing the landing obligation. In this sense, we call for the development of sustainable and more flexible approaches within the Common Fisheries Policy to respond. »
The Atlantic Arc regions call on the UK government and the EU Institutions to involve closely the regions, devolved governments and local authorities in the creation of mechanisms to support coastal communities to mitigate the impacts of Brexit.
