Under the headline ”Using resources without using them up”, the upcoming Swedish EU Presidency recognises that the current Common Fisheries Policy “has not achieved its goals”.
Only three paragraphs were devoted to fisheries in the 46-page work programme presented by Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. The programme added in much general terms that, in view of shortcomings of the CFP, the Presidency’s ambition is that this fall’s quota decisions in the Council will “pave the way for sustainable fisheries”.
The programme also mentioned the Swedish ambition that negotiations on the proposed reform of the control system will be concluded during the autumn, “focusing on appropriateness and cost efficiency”.
“An effective system for controlling fisheries increases confidence in the Common Fisheries Policy and enables consumers to feel more confident that fish are caught legally”, the Swedish government declared.
In several parts of the work programme, the Swedish Presidency underlined the necessity of a wider approach to problems in the marine environment. It mentioned the Baltic Sea as a dramatic example, but also as a possible stage for pilot projects that can act as examples for the whole Union.
The development of the EU Baltic Sea Strategy, presented by the Commission earlier in June, will be a main priority for the Swedish Presidency, whose main focus will still be the ongoing financial crisis and the climate issue.