Today the European Parliament and the Council agreed on the Commission's proposal for decentralised and simplified technical rules, giving fishermen a stronger say in deciding on the best measures for sustainable fishing adapted to their specific needs.

Illegal fishing is the world’s third largest illegal economic activity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN, it could value 10-20 billion euro per year. A dazzling amount, but peanuts compared to the damage it causes: collapsing fish stocks, marine ecosystem destruction, poverty among coastal regions, even forced labour and other severe human rights abuse.

Last night, the European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement on the Commission’s proposal establishing a multi-annual plan for fish stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea, covering mainly areas that concern France, Italy and Spain. The agreement will help restore stocks in the region to levels that can ensure social and economic viability for the fishers.