Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius invited the Chairs & Vice-Chairs of the 11 Advisory Councils for a roundtable discussion about the decisions on fishing opportunities for 2024 ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries configuration of the Council of the European Union.
Our Chair, Yobana Bermúdez, drew attention to the disturbances faced in the market of fishery and aquaculture products following the unjustified aggression of Russia against Ukraine. These difficulties are still felt today, as operators and consumers face high energy prices and inflation. Aid instruments should be fully used, across the EU, and cover the entire chain.
Our Vice-Chair, Christine Absil, emphasised the importance of policy decisions based on the best available scientific advice, including on socioeconomic elements. In line with the Common Fisheries Policy, access to a fishery should be based on transparent and objective criteria including those of an environmental, social and economic nature.
The Market Advisory Council remains available to exchange with the European Commission on market developments, providing the views of primary producers, processors, retailers, and Other Interests Groups.