European Commission Daily News 8th November
New strategy to improve sustainability of fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea
The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) has adopted its new 2030 Strategy for the Mediterranean and Black Sea at the end of the 44th annual session, which took place between 2 and 6 November. An agreement was also reached on an ambitious package of measures translating the Strategy into concrete actions. The European Union will support the implementation of the Strategy with an increased financial grant. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, welcomed the results of the annual session: “The new GFCM 2030 Strategy provides the framework and the necessary tools to ensure a sustainable, just and inclusive future for our fleets and our local communities, while protecting the ecosystems in the region. We must act quickly and decisively. The EU remains committed to the implementation of the new strategy.” The adopted ambitious package of measures includes a first-ever multi-annual plan (MAP) to manage Adriatic small pelagic stocks (anchovies and sardines), an additional reduction of the fishing effort for key demersal stocks and new Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRA), which will together prevent the collapse of the small pelagic fish, support the recovery of the demersal stocks and the long-term profitability of the Adriatic fisheries. Other recommendations tabled by the EU include important measures to improve fisheries management and control in the Adriatic and Black Seas, better protect sensitive species and habitats, and consolidate the monitoring and control framework, including combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) activities in both the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The new strategy builds on recent achievements. With its five targets, it takes an integrated approach to the complex challenges in the region and the ‘green transition’. Furthermore, the Strategy continues to support local communities and their livelihoods along the value chain, with special focus on small-scale fisheries. There will also be coordinated measures to ensure decent working conditions, support young people and properly recognise the role of women in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, as well as promote the participatory decision-making process. More information is available in this news item.
EU at COP26: Executive Vice-President Timmermans kicks off Ministerial negotiations’ week in Glasgow
Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans arrived at the COP26 in Glasgow yesterday where he will lead high-level negotiations on behalf of the EU for the next week. He will give a press conference today at 15:30 CET to take stock of the progress made last week and to lay out the way ahead. Follow the press conference live. He will also participate in the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance, organised by the COP Presidency, which will be broadcast live from 17:00 CET onwards. He will also participate in a reception by the High Ambition Coalition. Executive Vice-President Timmermans will have bilateral meetings with lead negotiators from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, China and New Zealand. He will also meet with youth representatives to brief them on the negotiations.
Meetings of the Eurogroup and the ministers of economy and finance, November 8-9
Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Gentiloni will represent the European Commission at the Eurogroup meeting taking place today in Brussels. Ministers will discuss developments in the macroeconomic situation in the euro area, including energy prices and inflation developments. Later, in an inclusive format, the Commission will present to ministers the relaunch of the EU economic governance review , focusing on the euro area dimension. Ministers will discuss the process by which the Eurogroup will consider this issue and hold a first debate on how they could better coordinate fiscal and economic policies, as well as progress in thebanking union . Commissioner Gentiloni will represent the Commission at the press conference following the meeting. Tomorrow, Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis , Commissioner Hahn , Commissioner Gentiloni , and Commissioner McGuinness will represent the Commission at the meeting of economy and finance ministers in Brussels. Ministers will exchange views on the EU economy in the aftermath of the pandemic. They will also have the opportunity to express their point of view on economic governance and the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact. Ministers will discuss the implementation of thefacility for recovery and resilience and funding the recovery plan for Europe . Ministers will also discuss the approval of conclusions on the future of the European Semester. In addition, ministers will debate energy prices and inflation, around the Commission communication on this subject. Ministers will also hold a debate on the implementation of the “Basel III” agreements and the package of reform measures proposed by the Commission aimed at strengthening the EU banking sector. Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis will represent the Commission at the press conference following the meeting.
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