"Today's vote is a clear show of support for the Commission's proposal on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets, which was made in December 2015.

The Regulation we proposed has three aims: more transparency, simpler rules and better monitoring and control of the EU fleet.

It ensures that fishing authorisations are granted on the basis of objective criteria. It will create an EU-wide registry of vessels falling under the Regulation.

And it will ensure that EU vessels are monitored wherever they fish. This is an important step to improve ocean governance.

Once again, the EU is taking the initiative to step up the worldwide fight against illegal fishing. We have an opportunity to ensure that global fisheries resources are used sustainably.

We can set a new international standard for others to follow."

More information:

Q&A on Commission's proposal to improve transparency and monitoring of EU fleets fishing internationally

Commission's Proposal to Parliament and Council on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets