"The European Parliament recognises that the said plan leads to the renewal of the stock. However, certain shortcomings had to be addressed, such as a lack of flexibility. It is the key to adjusting fishing opportunities with changing conditions of the cod stocks. Today's vote meets the needs of the sector representatives, as well as recognising that the future plans and reforms must take into account the specificity of the area, fostering the regionalisation", said Jarosław Wałęsa.
The next step, before the Regulation comes into force, is trialogues with the European Commission and the Council. Unfortunately, due to the dispute over powers between the Parliament and the Council, the entry-into-force of these provisions may be significantly delayed. The dispute concerns the allocation of fishing opportunities. The Council, which for years has stated that it has exclusive competence in this area, is blocking the work on the multi-annual management plans.
"The situation has a negative impact on the developing legislation in fisheries, aggravates relations between the Institutions and deserves to be condemned", concluded Jarosław Wałęsa.
For further information:
Jarosław Leszek WAŁĘSA MEP, Tel: +33-3-88-175304
Katarzyna Klaus, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-484-138359
Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 270 Members and 3 Croatian Observer Members.