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Following the agreement on a trade agreement between Brussels and London, British fishermen harshly criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson: “Johnson has promised us the rights to all the fish that swim in our exclusive economic zone, but we have only received a fraction of them. “said the boss. from the National Federation of Fisheries Organizations (NFFO), Andrew Locker, on BBC Radio 4 on Monday.
“I am angry, disappointed and I feel betrayed.” Johnson had promised that no fisherman would be worse off. But now there are “a considerable number” who are much worse off than before the Brexit deal.
When Britain was still a member of the EU, fishermen could have traded with the Union: “We exchanged things we didn’t need for fish they didn’t need. And that allowed us to come up with an annual plan,” he said. Relaxed. Now the fishermen would have to fight hard to maintain their existence.
Fishing had been one of the most difficult points of discussion until the end. It was agreed that during a five-and-a-half-year transition phase, the EU would gradually abandon 25 percent of its previous catch quota in British waters, depending on the value of the fish. If London further restricts access later, Brussels could respond with fees. Observers saw this as a great concession from London.
Green light EU-27
Meanwhile, the European Union has started the provisional application of the trade pact as of January 1. The ambassadors of the remaining 27 member states approved the proposal and initiated a decision by written procedure, which should be finalized Tuesday. This was announced by a spokesman for the German presidency of the Council of the EU.
The contract is only provisional
The laboriously negotiated trade and association agreement will regulate economic relations between the island and the mainland from January 2021. The most important point is to avoid tariffs and ensure that trade is as smooth as possible. However, the contract also includes fishing and cooperation in energy, transport, justice and police.
The provisional application of the treaty is necessary because there is no time for the EU Parliament to ratify it before the end of the year. However, at the beginning of the year, the transition period following Britain’s departure from the EU in January 2020 expires, and Britain is also leaving the domestic market and the customs union. On the British side, the House of Commons should approve the contract tomorrow Wednesday. A yes is considered safe.
