Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said attended the final meeting of the year for the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels, where various important topics related to the sectors were discussed.
Bugeja Said acknowledged the leadership and strategic vision demonstrated by the Hungarian Presidency over the past months, particularly in ensuring a more transparent process for negotiating fishing opportunities.
She explained that Malta closely followed the negotiations and discussions held between EU Member States in recent weeks, as well as contributed significantly to the annual meetings of the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) and ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas).
In her address to the Council, she highlighted the European Commission's leadership role in these international forums, where achieving fair and viable solutions for fish stocks was a clear priority.
Bugeja Said said that in the face of growing global competition, it is evident that the European Union must adopt a unified and strong stance within the framework of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).
She said that the Commission, in close collaboration with Member States, must continue to concretely defend the collective interests of the Member States against the actions of third countries that disregard international laws.
"The integrity of our fleets and the protection of fish stocks must remain non-negotiable priorities," Bugeja Said said.
She added that, in this context, recent technical discussions represented an important step forward, resulting in robust outcomes aligned with Malta's strategic objectives.
Accordingly, Malta confirmed its full support for the two proposals on fishing opportunities for 2025, expressing confidence that they reflect a fair balance between sustainability and economic development.
"We optimistically anticipate future scientific advice that rewards our fishers for the significant efforts and sacrifices they have made over the years, which have directly impacted their economic conditions," Bugeja Said said.
She continued that government also believes in the need for a balanced approach that safeguards not only fish stocks but also the economic and social livelihood of fishing communities.
"Small-scale and artisanal fishermen play a crucial role in our economic and cultural fabric, and this role must be recognized and protected," she said.
Bugeja Said concluded by reaffirming Malta's full commitment to working towards fair and sustainable conditions in the Mediterranean region.
"The fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is crucial to preventing irreparable damage to our collective conservation efforts," she said.
Bugeja Said added that striving for a European maritime policy that respects biodiversity and the livelihoods of our communities must continue, while sending a clear message of global leadership in ocean governance.
Bugeja Said met with the new EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, wishing him success in his new role and expressed her eagerness to collaborate in the future.