European Parliament Backs New Rules Against Illegal Fishing
In brief
- The European Parliament approved new legislation aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal fishing.
- Maltese MEP Thomas Bajada served as the parliament's rapporteur guiding the regulatory framework.
- The rules seek to protect European fishers from unfair foreign competition by ensuring uniform compliance.
The European Parliament has formally endorsed new fisheries legislation designed to clamp down on illicit fishing activities and tighten enforcement standards across the European Union.
Maltese Labour MEP Thomas Bajada spearheaded the legislative file, serving as the European Parliament's rapporteur responsible for steering the measures through the assembly.
The newly approved framework focuses on reinforcing the application of international fishing rules, ensuring that foreign vessels operating in shared waters meet the same regulatory standards as European operators.
Bajada stressed that fair competition remains central to the initiative, emphasising that European fleets must not be placed at a disadvantage by non-compliant competitors.
"If we expect our fishermen to respect the rules, then those same rules must apply to everyone fishing alongside them," Bajada said following the vote.
Lawmakers backed the measures to safeguard marine conservation efforts while ensuring local fishing communities are shielded from unsustainable and unregulated practices.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both outlets covered the European Parliament's vote consistently, focusing on Thomas Bajada's role and the legislation's enforcement goals.