The coordinators of the committee on fisheries have decided today by majority (EPP, ALDE, EFDD and Greens/EFA in favour, S&D and ECR against) to extend the deadline for objection to the Delegated Regulation establishing a discard plan for certain demersal fisheries in the North Sea and in Union waters of ICES Division IIa, which specifies the details for the implementation of the Landing Obligation - one of the cornerstones of the CFP (Common Fisheries Policy) Reform.
 
S&D MEP Ulrike Rodust, group coordinator for the committee on fisheries and rapporteur of the Basic Regulation of the CFP Reform, condemns this decision as it deprives fishermen of legal security and certainty, and counteracts the objectives of the CFP Reform to the detriment of fish stocks.
 
The Delegated Regulation was published on 22 October 2015; Parliament has two months to object or to ask for an extension of the deadline by another two months.
 
Ulrike Rodust added:
 
"We criticise the Commission for having submitted the Delegated Regulation very late as the Landing Obligation will apply as of 1 January 2016. We have made it very clear to the Commission that this cannot be a tolerated working method. The extension will mean that fishermen will have legal uncertainty for at least another two months. Today's decision was taken on no substantial grounds and shows a lack of responsibility towards fishermen and the principles of the CFP Reform."