Political talks with the EU in Tromsø

Norway's Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Lisbeth Berg-Hansen raised the issue of market access for Norwegian seafood at a meeting with the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki in Tromsø on Monday.

"I am particularly interested in how Norway and the EU can collaborate to simplify the trade regime with a view to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and costs for Norwegian fish exporters," says Berg-Hansen. The European Union is one of Norway's main markets for seafood, and the EU has indicated that they aim to increase the consumption of seafood.

Standardization of catch certificates was  also discussed. "We need effective measures to combat illegal fishing. Norway is aware that a number of countries are in the process of developing their own certificates. It would be unfortunate if there are several different standards in operation, and I have therefore taken the initiative to invite the EU to collaborate on developing a global standard for catch certificates," says Berg-Hansen.