June 29, 2020
The information was prepared by Rūta Rudzīte, a public relations specialist.
On Monday, June 29, Minister of Agriculture Kaspars Gerhards participated in an informal video conference of the EU Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, where Member State ministers spoke about the European Commission ‘s (EC) presentation of the current Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and 2021 fishing opportunities. year.
Ministers also assessed the progress report of the current presidency of the EU Council, Croatia, on the regulations for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Germany will take over the Croatian Presidency of the EU Council on 1 July for the second half of the year.
Plan to apply scientific advice, maximum sustainable yield principles and the conditions of multiannual management plans for fish stocks to the EC TAC. Latvia emphasizes that in the future, when deciding on measures to improve the situation in fisheries, including the conservation of stocks, the socio-economic impact of such measures must be taken very seriously. In particular, – taking drastic decisions on TACs and quotas that would significantly restrict fishing. However, if radical decisions are to be taken, appropriate support instruments must be provided at the same time to effectively reduce or prevent potential emergencies.
Minister of Agriculture Kaspars Gerhards: “We call on the German Presidency, in cooperation with the Commission and the European Parliament, to take immediate action so that the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund’s 2014-2020 amendments to the cod ban in the Baltic Sea can be adopted as soon as possible. on catch quotas and fishing restrictions, the economic impact of these decisions on fishermen must not be forgotten. The stability of fishing activities is crucial for the viability and development of coastal regions. “
Decisions on fishing opportunities (catch quotas) for 2021 will be taken by the EU Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in October 2020 (for the Baltic Sea) and December (for other waters available to EU Member States’ fishermen).
The Croatian Presidency has made a number of proposals in the CAP Reform Regulations. Latvia believes that CAP reform regulations should be adopted as soon as possible, given that the current period will end as early as 2020
“We believe that in the next programming period of the Common Agricultural Policy, external convergence of direct payments should be carried out, ensuring that Latvian farmers receive such direct payments that are similar to the EU average,” K. Gerhards emphasizes.
Regarding the coherence of the CAP reform with the “From Field to Table” strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy, Latvia considers that the timetable for the development of the planned EC recommendations is not appropriate for the preparation of the CAP strategic plans. This work has already begun and will significantly delay the timely development and implementation of the CAP’s strategic plans, as well as jeopardizing Member States’ progress in preparing future policies to date.
At the same time, there are several conditions where the draft CAP regulations must achieve conditions that are in Latvia’s interests. It must be up to the EU Member States to decide which sectors to support with the funding of coupled support. Latvia also does not support the EC’s proposal to reduce funding for the School Milk and School Fruit Schemes.
Additional information:
Rūta Rudzīte,
public relations specialist
Phone: +371 67027498
E-pasts: [email protected]
Website: www.zm.gov.lv
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