Kaja Kallas, the EU’s diplomatic manager, suggested that UK-EU negotiations on future fishing allocations should not include security contracts. She indicated that while some elements remain undecided, the focus is primarily on fishing issues. This comes ahead of a UK-EU summit set for next week, where France and other EU nations aim to link fishing rights to broader negotiations. Kallas remarked on the unexpected importance of fish in the discussions.
The UK government, meanwhile, is seeking an overarching arrangement beneficial for fishermen without committing to specific commentary on the ongoing negotiations. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aims to “reset” relations with the EU post-Brexit, with particular interest in defense contracts and trading relationships, despite fishing arrangements being a sticking point.
France prefers a long-term fishing contract beyond the current agreement, which expires in June of next year, to ensure continued access. Additionally, the EU is advocating for a youth mobility scheme to facilitate study and work between young people in the UK and the EU, though the UK has previously dismissed the idea.
Concerns arise from conservative factions in the UK, alleging that such arrangements could imply a return to free movement practices. A Commons discussion highlighted fears of “dynamic alignment” with EU regulations, which the government has denied is part of their strategy.
Lastly, the Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Alvarez stated that discussions regarding Gibraltar remain unresolved. He emphasized that a resolution on Gibraltar is essential for a comprehensive EU-UK relationship.
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