Fishing authorisations for Union fishing vessels in United Kingdom waters and fishing operations of United Kingdom fishing vessels in Union waters

2020/0366(COD)

The European Parliament adopted by 677 votes to 4, with 6 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2403 as regards fishing authorisations for Union fishing vessels in United Kingdom waters and fishing operations of United Kingdom fishing vessels in Union waters.

Parliament adopted its position at first reading in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, taking over the Commission proposal.

The proposal is part of a package of temporary contingency measures to alleviate some of the major disruptions that will occur on 1 January 2021 in the event that an agreement with the United Kingdom is not yet reached.

The proposed regulation aims to create an appropriate legal framework valid until 31 December 2021, or until the date of conclusion of a fisheries agreement with the United Kingdom, whichever is earlier, on the continued reciprocal access of EU and UK vessels to each other's waters after 31 December 2020.

In order to ensure sustainable fisheries and given the importance of fisheries for the economic livelihood of many communities, the proposal would facilitate the authorisation procedures for fishing vessels.