Spain and Italy praise agreement on PAC and step up their commitment to sustainability of fisheries in Western Mediterranean

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, and his Italian counterpart, Teresa Bellanova, held a bilateral meeting on Wednesday within the framework of the 19th Spain-Italy Summit held in Palma.

As regards the matter of fisheries, the two governments consider that decisions taken should provide, on the one hand, backing for the sustainability of the fisheries sector and, on the other hand, recognition of its strategic nature for the food supply to the population. This is the position that they will advocate at the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Union, to be held in December, at which a decision will be taken on fishing days for their trawler fleets in 2021.

The two countries feel that a gradual and proportional application of the provisions of the multiannual plan adopted by the EU in 2019 is necessary, together with consideration for the social, economic and labour importance of fishing in coastal communities where it is based.

Non official translation