Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000175/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fredis Beleris (PPE)
For a number of years, the “sea bream war” has been raging in the Eastern Aegean, with Turkish fishing vessels active in Greek territorial waters without the permission of the Greek state and in breach of Greek and European law (Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009). Mass incursions of Turkish fishing vessels occur very frequently, and aggressive behaviour towards the Greek coastguard has repeatedly been observed. The Turkish coastguard systematically turns a blind eye to these violations.
Any fishing activity by third-country vessels in waters under the jurisdiction of an EU Member State, without its permission, is illegal. Overfishing in sensitive areas leads to a reduction in fish stocks, directly affecting the marine ecosystem and the economic life of local communities. The infringement of European law and European marine territorial waters by a candidate for accession is a matter for concern.
In view of this:
- 1.Does the Commission intend to press Türkiye to align itself with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy and the Regulation on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing?
- 2.Does it intend to step up the inspections to identify illegal catches on the European market and to achieve a level playing field for Greek fishermen?
- 3.Does it intend to reinforce the authority of the European Fisheries Control Agency and FRONTEX to stop illegal fishing within European borders?
Submitted: 16.1.2025