The EU and the UK have concluded the first fisheries agreement

The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) concluded negotiations on Wednesday on an agreement setting catch limits for jointly managed fish stocks for 2021. The talks ended on Wednesday afternoon with a telephone conversation between EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius and the British Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice. "This agreement is good for fishermen and their households, for coastal communities and for our ports, as well as for the sustainable use of our marine resources. It also proves that partners on both sides of the English Channel can reach an agreement and move forward if they work together." described the situation of Sinkevich. Wednesday's agreement concludes the first-ever post-annual annual consultations on fishing opportunities between the EU and the United Kingdom under the terms of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The European Commission said in a report to the media that the successful conclusion of the negotiations, which began in January, provides a good basis for continued fisheries cooperation between the EU and the United Kingdom. The agreement secures fishing opportunities for EU and British fleets in EU and UK waters until the end of 2021. It sets TACs for 75 common fish stocks for 2021, as well as for certain deep-sea fish stocks for 2021 and 2022. At the same time, it clarifies the restrictions for those species of marine animals that are not subject to agreed quotas. The signing of the agreement, which is based on the best available scientific advice on the state of fish stocks, is expected in the coming days. The Commission will then propose to the EU Council to incorporate the agreement into Union law.