Tuesday, 14th February 2012
Western stock of Atlantic horse mackerel
DEBATE IN PLENARY, STRASBOURG
I am certain that the focus of the world today will not be on the fate of the Western stock of Atlantic Horse Mackerel. But bizarrely, this stock of fish has taken on an iconic role in the interpretation of the inter-institutional operation of the Lisbon Treaty. As Pat the Cope Gallagher outlined in his introductory remarks, this report was first discussed more than two and a half years ago in the Fisheries Committee. It was placed on hold while we debated the introduction of the Lisbon Treaty and it has been log-jammed in council ever since.
There is general agreement between the Commission and the Parliament on the correct legal basis for this resolution, so the problem lies with the Council, who appear determined to deny the European Parliament our rights as clearly outlined in Article 43.2 of the treaty.
We cannot go on like this. Not only is this log-jam preventing the introduction of a multi annual plan for Atlantic Horse Mackerel, it is also effectively blocking the introduction of all future multi-annual plans which are an essential facet of the CFP.
It is essential that the Danish presidency sorts out this problem and I was therefore heartened to hear Minister Wammen state that work on this issue is beginning this week to break the log jam. Let’s go for Second Reading on this bill as quickly as possible.
STRUAN STEVENSON, MEP
Senior Vice President of the Fisheries Committee
