Six months in caretaker mode

摘要

Even under normal circumstances, fisheries is hardly a top priority for Belgium. The country's management of this policy area in the latter half of 2010 will be in keeping with the current government's caretaker role. One issue - reform of the Common Fisheries Policy - will be on the agenda all the same, although the Presidency will not be in a position to bring it to conclusion. In the absence of legislative proposals, expected in the first half of 2011, at best the Presidency will be able to continue the consultation work begunrnby the Spaniards. It will sponsor a conference, on 9-10 November in Ostend, on "Improving fisheries and scientific partnerships as policy drivers". The 27 ministers will debate the subject at lunch at the Fisheries Council, on 30 November.