In particular, Mr Vella praised the FAO Code as a source of "major inspiration" for the reform of the EU's common fisheries policy, which is now aligned with the Code's key principles: precaution, science and an ecosystem approach. Stressing the FAO's and the EU's shared vision of the need to manage the world's oceans sustainably, he called for a joint push to build on the Code's foundation and work towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and better international ocean governance.

Commissioner Vella also took the opportunity to visit Vigo-based EFCA and congratulate its staff for the work accomplished in the past ten years: "Thanks to the agency, there are no more technical barriers between inspectors from different EU Member States. Everyone speaks the same language to reach the same objective: compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy. Perhaps most importantly, these exchanges and cooperation efforts are now acknowledged and accepted by all fishermen."

Mr Vella also met Ms Isabel Garcia Tejerina, the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment, as well as representatives from NGOs and the Spanish fishing industry.

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Responsible fisheries in the EU and beyond - 20th anniversary FAO code of conduct, Vigo, Spain