Press releases
Fisheries
Commission finds UK overfished scallops and crab in 2012
23/12/2013
Following a thorough investigation, the Commission adopted a decision finding that the UK has overfished its allocation of scallops and crab effort in 2012 by 12.7 % and 7 % respectively in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea (ICES area VII). The number of days at sea (so-called "fishing effort") for 2013 and, if necessary 2014, will be reduced accordingly.
The Commission understands that the UK is working on administrative means and data reporting systems in order to avoid that such overfishing would happen again in the future.
Suspension of EMFF trilogues
19/12/2013
The Commission regrets that, despite substantial progress, Parliament and Council could not agree on the few outstanding issues at today's trilogue on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
The Commission remains committed to facilitate an agreement between the co-legislators that is in line with the key objectives of the Commission's proposal to support the implementation of a reformed Common Fisheries Policy and the further development and implementation of the Integrated Maritime Policy.
Positive outcome of December Fisheries Council
17/12/2013
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of December 2013 took place in Brussels on 16-17 December 2013. The Council discussed and reached agreement on fishing opportunities for 2014 for the main commercial fish stocks of the Atlantic, the North Sea and the Black Sea.
Commissioner Damanaki's statement following visit to the Faroe Islands
12/12/2013
Commissioner Damanaki held a press conference after her meetings this morning with the Faroese authorities and stated: "We had constructive discussions with the Faroese government on a range of issues of mutual interest. On the mackerel question, I have made an improved offer. The Faroese government is now considering it and I expect to have a response before the end of this week."
Commissioner Damanaki is on her second day of visit to the Faroe Islands. She had meetings with the Prime Minister Johannesen, the Fisheries Minister Vestergaard and exchanged views witrh the Members of the Foreign Committee of the Faroese Parliament.
Visit to the Faroe Islands and meeting with Prime Minister Johannesen
11/12/2013
Commissioner Damanaki started a two-days visit to the Faroe Islands on Wednesday December 11th and met with the Faroese Prime Minister, Mr Kaj Leo Holm Johannesen. Commissioner Damanaki also met with the Fisheries Minister, Mr Jacob Vestergaard. During her official visit, she will also exchange views with the Foreign Committee of the Parliament of the Faroe Islands on issues of mutual interest.
Results of today's plenary votes in the European Parliament
10/12/2013
Commissioner Damanaki welcomed today’s final vote of the European Parliament in support of a new, reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) for the EU that she initiated in July 2011. The vote means that the CFP reform has been officially adopted and will now be applied throughout European Union waters as of 1 January 2014.
Commissioner Damanaki stated on the vote on the CFP reform: “Today's vote by the European Parliament means that we now have a policy which will radically change our fisheries and will pave the way for a sustainable future for our fishermen and our resources. I am very grateful to both Parliament and Council for their commitment, vision and overall support for the Commission's proposals which mean we can now return to sustainable fishing in the short term and put an end to wasteful practices. The new CFP is a driver for what is most needed in today's Europe: a return to growth and jobs for our coastal communities".
The Commission also took note of today's vote by the European Parliament on its proposal regulating fishing for deep-sea species in the North-East Atlantic. On this vote, Commissioner Damanaki stated: "Now that the European Parliament has expressed its views on the proposal, I expect the Council to finally start its work on this regulation. The Commission is ready to facilitate constructive three-party discussions on this proposal. We must work together to protect the vulnerable deep-sea species and their habitats."
Participation to plenary debates in the European Parliament in Strasbourg
09/12/2013
Commissioner Damanaki participated on Monday evening to several plenary debates during the session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. MEP Ulrike Rodust's report on the Common Fisheries Policy has been discussed and has been followed by exchange of views on the report of MEP Struan Stevenson on the Common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products. MEP Kriton Arsenis' report on deep-sea fisheries and the report of MEP Carmen Fraga Estévez on the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement have also been discussed. Votes will follow tomorrow.
Official visit of PM Samaras and the Greek government to the College of Commissioners
04/12/2013
The Greek Government, conducted by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras paid an official visit to the European Commission today Wednesday December 4th. The Greek delegation participated in the plenary meeting of the College of Commissioners and worked over lunch on various current issues, ahead of the Greek presidency of the European Council in the first semester 2014. Bilateral meetings between Ministers and Commissioners are taking place as part of the government's visit.
Commissioner Damanaki to visit the Faroe Islands on December 11th and 12th
03/12/2013
Upon invitation of the Faroese Minister of Fisheries Mr. Jacob Vestergaard, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ms Maria Damanaki will visit the Faroe Islands on December 11th and 12th to discuss issues of mutual interest.
(Official picture from the Faroese Prime Minister's website )
Meeting with Mr Vidar Helgesen, Norwegian Minister for EU Affairs
03/12/2013
Following her official visit to Norway last month, Commissioner Damanaki has welcomed today the Norwegian Minister for European Affairs, Mr Vidar Helgesen in Brussels. This meeting has been the occasion to follow-up on discussions held in Oslo on the the importance of EU - Norway relations, as Norway is a major fish supplier to the EU.
Maritime affairs
Official visit to Rome to discuss Blue economy in the Mediterranean
05/12/2013
Commissioner Damanaki is paying today, December 5th, an official visit to Rome. She is participating in a conference entitled "European Strategy for Blue Growth - Conditions for a Blue Economy in the Mediterranean", (cf. picture) in the presence of numerous keynote speakers. Commissioner will meet with Minister Andrea Orlando, in charge of the Environment, Land and Sea Protection. She will then participate in a parliamentary hearing within both the European and Agriculture Committees of the Chamber of Deputies and the Italian Senate, in a joint session. After this hearing, Commissioner Damanaki will meet with Ms Nunzia De Girolamo, in charge of Agriculture and later on with Mr Enzo Moavero Milanesi, in charge of European Affairs.
Topics of discussions during this visit will include the state of play of the main initiatives on Blue Growth,EU strategy for the Adriatic Ionian Region (EUSAIR), the implementation of the CFP reform as well as the upcoming year of the Mediterranean in 2014 and the successive Greek and Italian Presidencies of theCouncil of the European Union.
