The Common Fisheries Policy in the Post-Lisbon Era: Towards a Robust and Sustainable Framework
Reforming the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union remains one of the biggest challenges in the post-Lisbon era. After decades of being seen as predominantly a top-down framework, this policy will face many new challenges in the years to come. On the one hand, there are long-standing problems such as overfishing, fleet overcapacity, heavy subsidies, low economic resilience and so forth, which can be overcome through restructuring the sector and creating a simple, effective and sustainable CFP. On the other hand, the fishing industry has been given few incentives to bear appropriate responsibility and accountability for the sustainable use of natural resources.
Policymakers have recognised the need to strike the right balance - whilst the fishing industry is essential to supplying food to European citizens and supporting livelihoods in coastal areas across the region, future policy development must be shaped within a robust and sustainable framework without jeopardising economic progress. Key debates at EU level have raised the notion of decentralisation and have strongly advocated more accountability and responsibility for the fishing industry. Other voices emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary approach whereby constant dialogue and involvement is maintained with not only the fisheries sector but also the maritime sector, environment sector and other major stakeholders during the restructuring process.
This special International Symposium provides a unique opportunity for industry practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and delineate policy proposals with the leading actors and decision makers in the field. At such a critical period in the post-Lisbon era, reform of the CFP requires a consensus of support from all sectors and all players in the fisheries supply and demand chain.
The Centre for Parliamentary Studies welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.
Programme
| 09:00 | Registration and Morning Refreshments |
| 10:00 |
Chair’s Welcome and Opening Remarks Dr. Koen Van den Bossche Member of the Free University of Brussels and Researcher at the Institute for European Studies in Brussels (confirmed) |
| 10:10 |
Panel Session One: Simplifying the Common Fisheries Policy after Lisbon – Resolving Current Policy Challenges
Mr. Franz Lamplmair, Adviser on Policy Development and Coordination, DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission (confirmed) Mr. Niels Wichmann, Managing Director, Danish Fishermen’s Association (confirmed) Dr. Koen Van den Bossche, Member of the Free University of Brussels and Researcher at the Institute for European Studies in Brussels (confirmed) |
| 11:10 | Morning Coffee Break |
| 11:30 | First Round of Discussions |
| 12:30 | Networking Lunch |
| 13:10 |
Panel Session Two: Structural Challenges in the Common Fisheries Policy – Mind Mapping for the Future
Mr. Chris Davies MEP, Member of the Fisheries Committee in the European Parliament (confirmed) Mr. Barrie Deas, Vice-President, Europêche (confirmed) Mr. Guus Pastoor, President, EU Fish Processors’ Association (confirmed) |
| 14:30 | Afternoon Coffee Break |
| 14:50 | Second Round of Discussions |
| 15:50 | Chair’s Summary and Closing Remarks of Day One |
| 16:00 | Networking Reception and Refreshments |
Event Brochure
Hotel Accommodation
Public Policy Exchange are pleased to offer a discounted rate at the Silken Hotel Brussels for delegates attending this event. Simply book a delegate place and a we will email you a discount code alongside your confirmation.
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“ … the Commission believes that a whole-scale and fundamental reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and remobilisation of the fisheries sector can bring about the dramatic change that is expected to reverse the current situation. This must not be yet another piecemeal, incremental reform but a sea change cutting to the core reasons behind the vicious circle in which Europe’s fisheries have been rapped in recent decades.”
Green Paper, Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, COM(2009)163, 22 April 2009
“ The Common Fisheries Policy is, and must continue to be, an evidence-based policy. Fisheries depend on natural resources and therefore we have to know how much we can sustainably take from the sea. That is why the high-quality advice we receive from you is so crucial.”
“We want the sector's trust in the fisheries management system and we hope to see improved compliance. But handing out additional tonnes of fish or additional days at sea, while going against scientific advice and weakening the underlying stocks, is not the way to do it. In particular, simply increasing TACs to avoid discards is not a solution, because it does nothing to reduce overfishing.”
“If we are to achieve this, I believe there are three 'pillars' we must put in place. We need to re-order the priorities on which the CFP is based. We need to put an end to the chronic overcapacity of the European fishing fleet. And we need to redistribute responsibility to make sure that we deliver on our goals.”
“We want the sector's trust in the fisheries management system and we hope to see improved compliance. But handing out additional tonnes of fish or additional days at sea, while going against scientific advice and weakening the underlying stocks, is not the way to do it. In particular, simply increasing TACs to avoid discards is not a solution, because it does nothing to reduce overfishing.”
“If we are to achieve this, I believe there are three 'pillars' we must put in place. We need to re-order the priorities on which the CFP is based. We need to put an end to the chronic overcapacity of the European fishing fleet. And we need to redistribute responsibility to make sure that we deliver on our goals.”
Joe Borg, Commissioner Responsible for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, September 2009