Conferentie over betere samenwerking visserijbeleid (en)

On 1–2 October a conference on Baltic Sea fisheries will be held in Saltsjöbaden, near Stockholm. The meeting will begin with the fisheries ministers from the Baltic Sea countries signing a declaration of agreement on key fisheries issues. One purpose of the conference is to deepen the cooperation between the Baltic Sea countries on how to manage fisheries.

The conference is being organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with the Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council (BS RAC) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Swedish Minister for Agriculture Eskil Erlandsson emphasises the importance of all countries working together to save Baltic fish stocks. This is fully in line with the EU Baltic Sea Strategy of increased regional cooperation around the Baltic Sea.

“Improving the EU fisheries policy is one of my top priorities during the Swedish Presidency of the EU,” says Minister for Agriculture Eskil Erlandsson. “We have managed to improve the situation for cod, but several fish stocks are in a bad way. It is therefore important that we learn from past mistakes and look to the future, keeping our eyes open for new solutions.”

About 130 people, representing a broad range of countries, organisations and interests, have confirmed that they will attend the conference. Apart from the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Joe Borg, a number of ministers and state secretaries from the countries around the Baltic Sea will participate. Various government agencies, stakeholder organisations and the general public will also be represented.