Statement Delivered by Ambassador João Aguiar Machado
- The EU welcomes the entry into force of the historic WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Prohibiting harmful subsidies and tackling illegal fishing will help to promote sustainable fisheries, prevent the depletion of fishing grounds and restore fish stocks on which the livelihoods of coastal communities around the world depend.
- This agreement proves that the WTO can deliver. It also proves that multilateral cooperation is possible. It is indeed indispensable to address the global sustainability challenges.
- The EU calls on the remaining WTO Members, especially large fishing nations, to accept the agreement soon to ensure even wider benefits.
- The entry into force of the Agreement also activates the WTO Fish Fund to assist developing countries implementing the new rules. The EU and EU Member States committed the majority of financial support to the Fund.
- The EU remains committed to the negotiation of additional provisions to complement this first phase agreement.
