The announcement had the effect of a bomb and a real blow to Trafalgar at the Assizes de la Mer organized in Saint-Pol-de-Léon (Finistère) in front of elected officials and professionals in the fishing industry.
Faced with the difficulties to obtain fishing rights, in particular from the authorities of the Anglo-Norman island of Jersey, Annick Girardin announced Thursday morning the preparation of "fleet exit plans" to compensate fishermen whose vessels no. 'would not obtain a license and would ultimately remain at the dock.
In other words, a first-class scuttling with an envelope from European funds of 40 to 60 million euros to compensate French fishermen whose vessels will end up being scrapped.
"No renunciation, no retreat"
This Friday, the French Secretary of State for European Affairs wanted to clarify France's position: the country is not “backing down” on fishing and is still asking for the “same number” of licenses in London, he said. insisted, while French fishermen are worried about a possible turnaround in Paris.
“There is no renouncement or retreat.
We continue both the negotiation and the pressure.
We are asking for the same number of licenses, ”Clément Beaune told AFP.
Read also Brexit: 5 minutes to understand why Paris and London are still scrambling around fishing licenses
Under the Brexit agreement signed at the end of 2020 between London and Brussels, European fishermen can continue to work in British waters provided they can prove that they were fishing there before. But the French and the British argue over the nature and extent of the supporting documents to be provided. In areas still disputed, the governments of London and the Channel Islands have so far granted nearly 220 permanent licenses. France, which has already lowered its claims, is still claiming some 150 licenses against 170 a month ago. However, the authorities of the Channel Islands and in particular Jersey are dragging their feet. "It is obvious that Jersey does not respect the agreement", admitted Annick Girardin.
Except that these admissions of helplessness and the anticipated destruction of the French fleet do not pass while a quarter of French catches in volume come from British waters full of fish.
"France has abandoned its young sailors"
"France lowers its pants," said Alain Coudray, the president of the Côtes-d'Armor fisheries committee for whom "with the English, you must not let go of an inch, you have to show your teeth, otherwise ... ".
"France has abandoned its young sailors because it is above all they who do not have licenses," added Pascal Delacour, boss of a trawler in Granville (Manche).
For the fishermen, we are far from the declarations of mid-September of the government which had shown its muscles and hardened its tone, announcing sanctions, in particular a ban on disembarking for British boats and reinforced customs controls and even blackouts. of the Channel Islands if no progress was made ... In addition, the fishermen who consider themselves the collateral victims of a bilateral situation between the European Union and the United Kingdom recalled that the issue of fishing had been presented by Michel Barnier, then Brexit negotiator and current presidential candidate as not to be an adjustment variable.
To look good, Annick Girardin announced that negotiations were continuing. “Today, it is clear, the European Commission is by our side. I cannot tell you that we will do it as we want, but we are putting the maximum pressure on it. I asked to strengthen the current controls on British fishing vessels, they are underway ”, she assured adding that she“ would continue to fight alongside the fishermen so that no one remains on the boat. side of the road ".
Except that the fishermen simply want to do their job and display doubts about any promises of aid for the modernization of the fleet or possible support plans even if some tracks are considered positive with the creation from January 1 of 'a general directorate for the sea to try to have a global vision and offer future prospects in this sector.
In the meantime, the situation on the water could quickly become explosive, especially as the holiday season approaches.
“I ask the French government to take the planned measures.
On the eve of the holidays, the British can export their seafood while some of our fishermen have had their vessels docked for almost eleven months.
The fisheries committees say for the time being that they are thinking about actions.