Paris and London quarreled over fishing licenses

France has threatened to retaliate after Britain rejected three quarters of all applications from French fishing boats in the waters of the Channel Islands, Politico.eu reported. The British government has announced that 12 small boats out of 47 will be allowed to fish in Britain’s coastal waters, leaving 35 without permits.

A document submitted by the authorities states that these boats have not provided sufficient evidence to meet the requirements, namely to prove fishing experience in the period 2012-2016, as set out in the Brexit trade deal.

The Minister for European Affairs of France Clement Bonn accused Britain of not complying with the terms of the trade agreement, saying that Paris “will not hesitate to retaliate.”

“We understand and share the irritation of our fishermen. “We cannot cooperate with Britain in confidence until the deal is respected,” he told RTL radio.

The dispute over fishing licenses is escalating at a sensitive time for British-French relations. Paris is angry about Britain’s involvement in the AUKUS defense alliance with the United States and Australia, which has led Australia to abandon a multibillion-dollar deal for French submarines.

fishing communities “should not be taken hostage by the British for political purposes. This is another refusal of Great Britain to fulfill the conditions of the Brexit deal, despite all the work that is being done. From tomorrow, I will meet with players in the sector to support them and consider an appropriate response. “

Since Brexit, the UK has issued fishing licenses in the British area to almost 1,700 vessels 12-200 miles. The problem is for boats under 12 meters that want to fish in the 6-12 mile zone.

Michel Barnier, former EU chief negotiator for Brexit, who is now running for president of France points out that the British decision could have a significant impact on relations with France at a time of already record low levels of confidence.

“Brexit is over. One key issue for us in France … is the proper implementation of what we have agreed with the British, not just for peace in Ireland, but also for fisheries. This moment is important, “he said at an event in London.

A spokesman for the UK government said Britain’s approach was” reasonable and fully in line “with the country’s commitments. in the trade agreement with the EU.

In an attempt to reassure the French, the autonomous government of Fr. Jersey announced on Friday that it will grant temporary permits to EU ships and renew temporary licenses, which expire on Thursday, until 31 January 2022, for those who have not yet provided the necessary documents.

The French fishing communities affected by Brexit will receive EUR 100 million in EU funding from the block adjustment reserve.

The European Commission has stated that it “regrets that it is not possible to put an end to this issue now “despite” the comprehensive evidence provided by the EU “.

” We will ask the UK to fully disclose their methodology and continue to make further commitments in the interests of our fishermen and women so that additional licenses can be granted, “said a spokesman.