The common fisheries policy and the challenge of globalisation of the economy

The European Parliament adopted the resolution by Mr Daniel VARELA SUANZESCARPEGNA (EPP/ED, E). The Parliament believes there is a pressing need to reform the Common Fisheries Policy with a view to reducing over exploitation and conserving stocks. But a successful future for the industry can only be achieved through international agreements. While there is support for further liberalisation in trade negotiations, the resolution emphasises the need to take into account other social and economic factors such as employment in coastal areas. There is also a need to maintain high environmental standards and health and food safety conditions. Moreover, the Parliament reiterates that the EU must participate in all regional fisheries organisations (RFOs) which already exist or are set up in the future and should promote new RFOs which are of interest to the EU. It is also expressed that the EU should continue its efforts to prevent the marketing of fishery products obtained in breach of the provisions adopted within RFOs but that it should take a more active stance in promoting the development of legal instruments which will enable the international community to take out of action vessels operating without any flag or with flags of convenience.�