Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 11/05/2017, 11 May 2017

Main results 

"Until now European fishermen have had to respect more than 30 different regulations, which constitute a particularly complex and burdensome legislative framework. We want to make their life easier, guarantee legal certainty and focus on innovation. Better and clearer rules will help protect our seas and the sustainability of our fishery resources. And most of all, the Council position empowers the fishing community by giving it more direct say in the decision-making process."

Roderick Galdes, Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and president of the Council

Technical measures 

The Council agreed its position on a proposal for new rules on the conservation of fishery resources and the protection of marine ecosystems, often referred to as "technical measures". 

The Council's position aims at modernising the existing rules on how, where and when fishermen may fish. These cover the taking and landing of fisheries resources, the specifications and operation of fishing gear, and measures to mitigate their impact on sensitive species or areas.

• Conservation of fisheries through technical measures: deal on Council negotiating position
• Text of the Council general approach on the proposal for the conservation of fishery resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures

African swine fever in third countries 

The Council was updated on and had the opportunity to discuss the eradication of African swine fever, in particular in relation to the role of EU neighbouring countries such as Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Delegations highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary and internationally coordinated approach to fight the disease, and the Commission confirmed its support for those member states concerned. 

Other topics on the agenda 

Ministers were informed about the MedFish4Ever declaration adopted at the ministerial conference on Mediterranean fisheries held in Malta on 29-30 March, and about the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference, that will take place in New York on 5-9 June.