Criticism of the European fisheries agreement
Antoni Abad, president of the Catalan Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds, expresses his concern over the recent agreement of the European Commission (EC) that affects fishing activities. According to Abad, the activity reduction measures are an attempt to ‘prolong the agony’ of the sector, with little time to implement the proposed bonuses.
Uncertainty and investments difficult to justify
The fishing leader argues that the new rules, which are constantly changing, mean that no one is willing to make significant investments in their businesses. ‘With this lack of predictability, who will risk investing?’, Abad asks, making his frustration with the current situation clear.
An agreement under pressure
The agreement was reached after long discussions between European Union member states, with Spain, Italy and France opposing the initial proposal. Brussels argues that the new pact will allow fishermen to maintain their activity, provided they adopt measures to improve sustainability.
Various reactions among the brotherhoods
Although some guilds, such as the one in Palamós, seem to accept the agreement, Abad and other representatives, such as those in Tarragona and La Ràpita, describe it as ‘blackmail’, emphasizing that the bonuses are difficult to implement and require investments that the sector cannot afford in the current context of uncertainty.
Politics over fishing
Abad maintains that the agreement should not be considered a true negotiation, but rather an imposition from Brussels that ignores the efforts made by the fishing sector in recent years. ‘This situation makes us rethink many things,’ he concludes, highlighting the need for better representation of the sector at European level.
Reflections on the future of the sector
The president of the Catalan Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds warns that the fishing sector will never be the same again, and expresses deep disappointment with the treatment received. ‘We feel like chewing gum, chewed and spat out,’ he says, hinting at his concern for the future of the industry in the face of such an adverse outlook.
