(Fish)bone of contention in Poland-EU negotiations reduces to herring trade

Poland and the European Union (EU) are now on the verge of a breakthrough in negotiations concerning full liberalization of fish trade. If signed, the agreement should result in a considerable decrease in retail prices of fish in Polish shops and in an increase of exports to the EU. However, the talks are being hindered by Poland's "herring lobby" which fears competition from German, Swedish and Danish fishermen and demands that herring trade be excluded from the deal. Polish authorities hope the lobby 's protests will not block signature of the agreement, which would be a serious setback for Poland since it has been recording significant surpluses in fish trading with EU countries. Last year Polish exports reached $200 million tons, whereas imports were only $55 million. Under the agreement, both sides of the deal will lower duties on fish products by one-third, which would be followed by further reduction the following year. Complete liberalization of trade will take place after Poland joins the EU. (Rzeczpospolita, p.B2