At a meeting in Stockholm on the external dimension of the CFP, organised by rapporteur Isabella Lövin, Javier Garat of Europêche, the largest representative of the fishing industry, called for European vessels to be given priority fishing access when the EU makes agreements with third countries.
Garat argued that European boats tend to be more selective and accountable than their competitors from countries such as China and Russia. Therefore, when the EU signs Fisheries Partnership Agreements (FPAs) in external waters, a clause should be inserted which assures their vessels are given prior opportunity to fish the surplus catches. Currently, the EU signs FPAs which contain fishing limits for their boats, but given many vessels from rival nations are often operating in the same waters; it is difficult to ascertain what level of surplus catches is sustainable.
As part of the CFP reform, the external dimension is being revised. The Commission has proposed that in order to improve the level of knowledge for stocks in third countries, there should be an increase in the number of onboard scientific observers. This was echoed by the Swedish parliamentarians who participated in the panel discussion at the meeting.
The serious problem of EU vessels which have been flagged out, was also raised at the event. There are over 300 boats which operate in third countries under private agreements. However, they can undercut their rivals as they are not bound by the strictures of FPAs. Participants were unanimous in their call for these vessels to comply with the same standards as those agreed to under the terms of the FPA under conditions concerning the import of fisheries products.