The IFPO has called on the Irish Government to immediately seek exemptions for Ireland from the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), following reports that Iceland could secure permanent exemptions as part of future EU membership negotiations.
IFPO Chief Executive Aodh O’Donnell said they would not necessarily oppose a move by the European Commission to grant Iceland special treatment, if Ireland were to receive the same treatment. “Such a move would amount to a tacit admission that the CFP is incapable of serving the interests of island nations with substantial marine resources.”
“If the European Commission accepts that the CFP cannot work for Iceland, then it must also acknowledge that the CFP is not working for Ireland,” said O’Donnell.
Ireland Deserves Same Arrangements as Iceland
“Ireland is an island nation with one of Europe’s richest marine resources. Yet for decades we have seen our fishing opportunities diminish while others benefit from access to our waters. If Iceland deserves a bespoke arrangement to protect its fishing industry, then Ireland deserves the same.”
Recent reports suggest EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis has indicated there is scope for flexibility on CFP rules to facilitate Icelandic membership. Fisheries have historically been the biggest obstacle to Iceland joining the European Union because successive Icelandic governments refused to surrender control of their valuable fish stocks.
“The irony will not be lost on Irish fishing communities,” said O’Donnell.
“For years Irish fishers have been told that the CFP cannot be changed. We have been told there is no flexibility. We have been told quota shares are fixed. Yet when a strategically important country seeks to join the EU, the Commission suddenly discovers flexibility.”
The IFPO said Irish fishing communities continue to suffer the consequences of Brexit, quota reductions, fleet decommissioning and the recent EU failure to deliver on the historical and long-established Hague Preferences mechanism.
“Our fleet has endured repeated sacrifices in the name of European solidarity,” said O’Donnell. “We cannot accept a situation where Ireland continues to absorb losses while a new entrant negotiates preferential protections that have never been offered to existing Member States.”
Iceland Derogation Would Create Precedent
The organisation warned that any Icelandic derogation could create a precedent with profound implications for fisheries policy across Europe.
“If special arrangements are available for Iceland because of its geography, dependence on fisheries and unique marine resources, then those same arguments apply equally to Ireland,” said O’Donnell.
“The Irish Government must seize this opportunity. It should demand a comprehensive review of Ireland’s position within the CFP and pursue equivalent derogations that restore greater national control over our fisheries resources, protect coastal communities and deliver a fairer share of the wealth generated from our waters.”
The IFPO said it would strongly oppose any accession deal that grants Iceland enhanced fisheries protections if it weakened Ireland’s position.
“There cannot be one set of rules for Iceland and another for Ireland,” said O’Donnell. “If Europe is prepared to recognise that the CFP does not fit Iceland, then it is time to recognise that it has failed many Irish fishing communities as well.”