Debate: Implications of Chinese fishing operations for EU fisheries and the way forward
Date: MONDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2023
Speaker: Johannes Hahn
Language: EN

Last month Commissioner Sinkevičius was in China for the high-level dialogue on oceans. The dialogue took place just days after the EU and China both signed in New York the UN Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. China also joined the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. Commissioner Sinkevičius was assured by China that the decision process to ratify the Port State Measures Agreement is at the last stage. We should build on this momentum to achieve tangible results in the priority areas identified by the report. On transparency, China has taken steps regarding vessels operating solely in the on the high seas. We should continue to push for transparency on Chinese vessels authorised to operate in coastal states, on fisheries agreements, catches, subsidies and business structures. Regarding flags of convenience, I can announce that the Commission will carry out a dedicated study. Autonomous tariff quotas for fishery products ensure supply to the EU processing industry. The Commission will assess the current regime for future policy choices, considering the sustainability of the fishery imports, with reference to EU standards and sustainability norms. We will continue advocating for a level playing field for EU fishing companies vis-à-vis Chinese companies seeking EU market access. On sustainability, China has so far honoured its commitment to cap its long distance fleet and halve the total number of fishing vessels, but it remains the largest fleet globally. The reduction in fleet size does not guarantee sustainability. Regarding the human and social dimension of sustainability, the Commission has proposed a European ban on products made with forced labour. The proposal covers imported goods, including fishery products, without targeting specific companies or industries. It is for the Council, acting upon a proposal from a Member State or from the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to establish, review and amend the sanctions list under the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime. We cooperate with China in the Bilateral Working Group on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing since 2015. The Commission makes concrete suggestions for improved fleet management and control, and witnesses multiplication of sanctions on Chinese long distance vessels. We want China to go further to effectively prevent and sanction illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. We hold annual working groups with the US and Japan on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and exchange catch certification data on imports of fisheries products, including from China. In all regional fisheries management organisations, to which the EU and China are parties, we promote strong monitoring, control and surveillance, including both State measures and proper compliance assessments. The Commission deploys all instruments to strengthen the capacities of coastal states to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in their waters and regulate fishing activities aimed at sourcing raw materials for fishmeal. Through our Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements, we strengthen partners’ human and technical capacities and legal frameworks. The agreements are a global benchmark for transparency and enable information sharing on access agreements with other partners. Internally, the Commission works closely with Member States to strengthen the implementation of the EU catch certification scheme. In the past year, China sanctioned ten processing companies and revoked three export authorisations thanks to Member States’ checks and verifications. China expressed interest in the voluntary use of IT CATCH. Honourable Members of the Parliament, cooperation with China on fisheries has increased over the years. Challenges as well. We continue our dialogue relentlessly to ensure China meets its global responsibilities. We look forward to an ongoing dialogue with you on the way forward.