As a newly opened centre for dialogue on European integration, Europe House in Bar hosted an important meeting dedicated to Negotiating Chapter 13 – Fisheries. It was here, in our venue, that representatives of fisheries associations, coastal municipalities, state institutions and experts gathered to discuss Montenegro’s alignment with the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy.
The Ministry of European Affairs organised the event within the EU4ME project, funded by the EU. Europe House Bar had the pleasure of providing a platform for open exchange of views and ideas.
State Secretary Biljana Papović reminded participants that Negotiating Chapter 13 regulates the area of fisheries and harmonisation with the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
“By joining the EU, Montenegrin seafood products gain access to the EU market, with state support for fishermen and joint management of the sea with European partners. On top of that, membership will bring better working conditions for fishermen and greater access to EU funds,” said Papović.
Katarina Burzanović, Head of the Negotiating Working Group, emphasised that special focus had been placed on the legislative framework.
“The Law on Marine Fisheries, the Law on Aquaculture, the Law on Structural Measures and State Aid in Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as the Law on the Organisation of the Market in Fisheries and Aquaculture, have been adopted. These regulations are largely harmonised with European Union legislation and foresee the adoption of a comprehensive set of by-laws, which by 2027 will enable full implementation of the acquis,” explained Burzanović.
Scientific advisor at the Institute of Marine Biology, Dr Aleksandar Joksimović, pointed out the importance of a joint resource management plan in the Adriatic and stressed the value of science’s contribution to the negotiation process and Montenegro’s rapprochement with the EU.
“Upon accession to the EU, significant opportunities for financial support from European funds will open up, but until then, fishermen must remain patient. It is important to strengthen the fisheries sector further to improve the position of fishermen in Montenegro,” Joksimović noted.
During the consultations, representatives of fisheries associations drew attention to the everyday problems they face, stressing that they lack the basic conditions for the work and survival of this economic branch.
“We face unfair competition in the purchase prices of fishery products, and we propose that the state establish minimum protective purchase prices below which sales could not be carried out. In addition, poaching and insufficient inspection oversight are major problems,” said the representatives of the fisheries associations.
They particularly highlighted the lack of berths for their boats, especially in the Bay of Kotor. Despite the well-harmonised Montenegrin legislation with that of the EU, fishermen emphasised that they remain dissatisfied.
In the name of fishermen’s associations, the meeting was attended by representatives of the National Association of Fish Producers of Montenegro, the Association of Purse Seine Fishermen of Montenegro, the Association of Professional Fishermen “Sveti Nikola”, the NGO “Young Fishermen of Montenegro”, the Ulcinj Fishermen’s Association and Sidro, as well as representatives of the municipalities of Bar and Ulcinj.