EU fish negotiators strive to obtain transition period, then close chapter

Polish negotiators to the European Union (EU) promise that they will complete work on Poland' s final position on the fishing issue by late September of this year, and plan to close that chapter of EU negotiations by the end of the year. The biggest problem facing negotiators is the introduction of restrictions for fishermen from EU countries to trawl in the southern waters of the Baltic Sea. Brussels does not seem to accept any arguments as the EU negotiators emphasize that there is free access to fishing areas there. Poland would like to apply for a transition period during which the number of foreign ships allowed to enter Polish fishing waters would be restricted, but thus far the EU has not agreed. Besides, applying for a transition period would also deprive Polish fishermen of the possibility of taking advantage of EU funds. As for now, Polish negotiators have only denied rumors about compulsory reduction of the Polish fishing fleet. (Puls Biznesu, p. 11) A.D.