LONDON – British environment minister George Eustice is optimistic on reaching an agreement by July with the European Union over future fishing rights considering that they are not suggesting anything extraordinary.
At the end of January, Britain exited the bloc and the negotiations have begun on a trade deal to manage the future relationships between the two parties.
The British government is negotiating for a separate fishing agreement which gets the ball rolling for the total catch’s annual negotiations.
On the other hand, the European Union wants to continue its reciprocal British waters access along with a longer-term stable fishing quota.
The fisheries deal between the UK and the EU should be finalised by the 1st of July.
Eustice expressed is optimism on reaching his deal stating that they aren’t asking for anything extraordinary and their request is just to adopt an independent coastal state style similar to Norway.
He also commented on how powerful a card access is, saying that Britain holds a strong hand considering the resources which are in their waters.
He says that there is a possibility of a multi-year access agreement but annual negotiations are inevitable as a key determinant to set a total allowable catch for any stock is up-to-date science.
Eustice expects some access reduction for EU fishermen in the 6-12 mile zone as the area might be predominantly cordoned off for British vessels.
When questioned about EU firms possibly buying UK-flagged ships, Eustice said that the UK shall ensure that foreign-owned, UK-flagged vessels have to land more of their catch in the British ports so that the economic benefit remains with the UK.
Autonomy is prioritised by the UK over alignment- therefore checks like the export health certificates and catch certificates will be needed, most probably.
The European Union said that British waters access for the EU fishing fleets will act as a precursor to the trade agreement in goods. Eustice, on the other hand, said that the two are separate from each other.
Eustice believes that it is “quite a big ask” as most EU states are not dependent on UK waters access. Jeopardising the trade deal will have a huge impact on countries like Germany who wants UK market access for industrial goods.
He stated that he doesn’t think it is sustainable for the European Union to be taking the position which has been articulated by some member states. It is also not necessary for the talks on the matter to be so ridden with conflict and confrontation.
Reaching a sensible agreement is quite possible, according to Eustice.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.