Commissioner Maria Damanaki visits Czech Republic
Commissioner Maria Damanaki visited the Czech Republic on 4 and 5 October. She met the Czech Minister of Agriculture Mr Petr Bendl, leading representatives of Czech Republic authorities and scientists. Commissioner Damanaki and Minister Bendl adressed the need to unleash the growth potential of European aquaculture and the role that the future European Maritime and Fisheries Fund will play in this respect.
On October 5, Ms Damanaki visited aquaculture farms and got first hand experience of some innovative freshwater aquaculture projects currently running in Southern Bohemia.
The Commissioner presented the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, proposed by the Commission last year and currently being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. In meetings with stakeholders involved in the aquaculture sector, Commissioner Damanaki put emphasis on how a reformed Common Fisheries Policy can give impetus to the sustainable growth of European aquaculture through an EU coordinated approach based on strategic guidelines, common priorities and exchange of best practices, stimulating innovation whilst ensuring maintenance of existing freshwater ponds also to preserve their crucial role as regards landscape and biodiversity. The Commissioner also had meetings with local and regional authorities and representatives of the local community.
