The Spanish Ministry has launched a series of promotional activities to boost fish and seafood consumption across the country.
La Moncloa
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, has confirmed that Spain will advocate for a greater prominence of fishing policies at the European level following the recent elections to the Parliament and in light of the imminent formation of the European Commission.
During a meeting with representatives of the Spanish Confederation of Fisheries (Cepesca) and the National Federation of Fishermen's Guilds (FNCP), the minister explained that this prominence should be reflected in both community organizational structures as well as in political and budgetary ambitions.
In this regard, Planas has proposed a fisheries commissioner for the Commission with a specific portfolio, or linked to the primary sector, as in previous periods. It is expected that Ursula Von der Leyen, who will again hold the presidency, will confirm this.
Additionally, the minister emphasized the need for European institutions to maintain a closer and more regular dialogue with representatives of the fishing sector, similar to what has happened with the agricultural sector.
"Fishermen also need to be heard, so their opinions are taken into account when making political decisions," he assured.
Finally, the minister recalled the need to continue making progress in the new legislature to adopt measures on fish stocks accompanied by an economic and social assessment.
On the other hand, Planas pointed out that challenges such as balancing the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) should be addressed. Also, he assured that sustainable fishing is fully compatible with the climate and environmental ambition established in the European Green Deal.
Regarding the Mediterranean Sea, he talked about technical and selective measures to recover resources while preserving fishing activity.
Furthermore, he proposed to reorient the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) concerning the decarbonization process of the fleet, increased safety, and greater comfort to favor generational renewal.
In mid June, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food announced the launch of a series of promotional activities to boost fish and seafood consumption across the country to tackle the significant decline in seafood purchases by Spanish consumers over the past 15 years.