The European Union has today requested consultations with the United Kingdom within the framework of the Dispute Settlement Mechanism of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on the UK's decision to ban sand eel hunting, with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable solution.
From 26 March 2024, the closure of the sandeel fishery will affect English waters in the North Sea and all Scottish waters. This measure significantly limits the access of EU vessels to these fisheries. The EU questions whether a complete and permanent closure of fishing is consistent with the principles and obligations set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the EU and the UK agreed to apply evidence-based, proportionate and non-discriminatory measures to conserve living marine resources. The European Union remains committed to working with the United Kingdom to achieve these goals.
Cooperation between the EU and the UK under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement has developed positively, including within the framework of the Specialized Committee on Fisheries, and the EU remains open to a mutually acceptable solution with the UK on this issue.
The European Union is taking action to protect and restore marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries within the framework of the Common Fisheries Policy, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Marine Action Plan.
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