EU: fisheries dispute between Paris and London almost resolved | Europe up to date | D.W.

The fishing conflict between France and Great Britain as a result of “Brexit” is almost resolved after months of negotiations, said the European Union fisheries commissioner in an interview published this Sunday (04.10.2022).

“We managed to get most of the licenses that were applied for” by French fishing boat owners who want to work in British waters, with only 70 pending, Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius told The Associated Press. Financial Times.

Sinkevicius said the commission, which had supported France in the conflict, “fully intends to continue to have a constructive and successful relationship with the UK.” Contacted by AFP, the European Commission did not want to confirm the information at the time, nor give more details.

As part of the “Brexit” agreement for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union (EU) two years ago, the British agreed to allow French fishing boats to continue operating in British waters and on the Channel Islands.

Although the UK issued 1,700 fishing licenses to fishing vessels from EU countries to work in waters between 12 and 200 nautical miles, it imposed what France called an impractical load test for French vessels wishing to fish in an area rich in schools of fish located between 6 and 12 nautical miles.

The request for 150 boats to fish in the United Kingdom and the island of Jersey were initially rejected. While French fishermen threatened to blockade the country’s ports and the Channel Tunnel between the UK and the mainland if more licenses were not secured, the Commission rendered its legal service to France.

The conflict faded from public debate this year as Sinkevicius conducted negotiations for the UK to grant more licences. (AFP)

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