The European Commission welcomes the agreement reached on 11 October in London between the European Union, Norway and Faroe Islands on the mackerel fishery in 2018.

With a coastline 7 times as long as the United States' and 4 times as long as Russia's, the EU's maritime regions are home to almost half the EU's population and account for almost half its GDP. Fisheries and the maritime economy are drivers for jobs and growth in Europe's coastal communities.

The next stop for our European Maritime Day cruise is on 31st of May and 1st of June 2018 in sunny Burgas at the Black Sea. As usual we are working with you to offer an attractive programme and great networking opportunities. You can now apply for the organisation of a workshop (deadline 30 November).

The Estonian Presidency of the EU and the European Commission are jointly hosting a conference on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) on 12-13 October 2017.

Commissioner Vella's speaking points