This proposal, tabled by Maltese MEP David Casa (EPP-ED) and seconded by his Spanish colleague Carmen Fraga Estevez, also from the Popular Party, was unanimously approved by the other members of the committee.

This proposed meeting intends to give the opportunity to the national delegations to point out their priorities when it comes to fishing in their region.

This binds well with what Mr Casa said during his speech in the committee – that the needs of Poland are not necessarily the needs of Portugal and that Malta’s priorities are not necessarily Spain’s or England’s.

Reacting to the presentation of the commission regarding the fisheries fund, Casa remarked that the report was a very controversial one.

Nevertheless he believed that there was room for consensus and continued that he was sure the end product would satisfy all stakeholders.

The national delegations will be made up of ministers or top officials from the fisheries sector of the various countries. Mr Casa said this would be a unique opportunity for both Parliament and the member states to interact and share their views.