EU agriculture and fisheries ministers have begun negotiations on the fishing quotas that will govern the relations between the bloc and the UK in the coming years.
According to the free trade deal agreed on Christmas Eve, the European Union is set to give up 25% of its current fishing quotas in British waters. This transfer of rights will take place gradually over a period of five years, known as the "adjustment period". Fishing access for EU fleets will decrease each year until reaching said 25% threshold in June 2026.
In the meantime, provisional catch limits will apply. The European Commission is now preparing to lead negotiations with the UK on behalf of all members states in order to decide how much fish EU fishermen will be allowed to catch.