In line with Article 7a of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/242, the Market Advisory Council shall subject itself at least once every five years to an independent performance review. This review shall aim to identify best practices and shortcomings, list recommendations aiming at improving the functioning of the Advisory Council and assess its overall contribution to the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. The MAC contracted an external consultant, BG Sea Consulting, to undertake the review focusing on the 2019-2022 period. The report was adopted in March 2022.
The report concluded that, since its establishment in 2016, the MAC has made significant progress and is generally considered to delivered sound and well-argued advice to the European Commission. The membership is characterised by multiple interests, representing the entire fishery and aquaculture value chain as well as other interest groups. The internal procedures have been assessed as very well established and strictly followed, enabling members to fully participate and contribute to the internal decision-making process.
The influence of the MAC’s advice is limited, but provides a solid common basis and general tone on the position of stakeholders. The MAC is widely contributing to the objective of efficiency and transparency of the market, but could provide stronger inputs in other objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy, such as achieving economic, social and employment benefits; making the best use of unwanted catches; defining the conditions for economic viability of the industry; and taking into account interests of consumers.
The MAC has development solid and fruitful relationship with the European Commission services, other Advisory Councils and the European Fisheries Control Agency. Improvements are possible as to cooperating with the Member States, the STECF, and the European Parliament. In general, further input from experts of the seafood market should be seek. Considerable amount of time and effort has been devoted to the various EU legislative initiatives. The MAC should seek to focus and prioritise the work further in the coming years as well as to reflect on topics – outside of the EU legislative movement – where the membership would bring added value.
You can consult the report here.
