Hundreds of French fishermen gathered Thursday evening to block fish trucks from the UK. French fishermen want to protest against fisheries agreements on Brexit deal.
Now that the United Kingdom has left the EU, protesters have decided to spend the night at a checkpoint testing British trucks loading fish on the way to Gallas and Dunkirk. Fishermen set fire to wooden trays and car tires to keep them warm.
After hearing about the planned operation in Bologna-sur-Mer, many British truck drivers chose to go the other way. According to French reporters, there were almost no British trucks in Bologna on Thursday.
Some fishing boats flying under the British flag for Dutch companies have also decided to land their catch elsewhere. According to the port master, the ships have been diverted to Belgian ports.
Controversial point in Brexit talks
Fisheries were one of the main controversies in the Brexit talks between the EU and the United Kingdom late last year. The UK called for the restoration of full control over its own waters, while some EU member states wanted to implement a guarantee that their fishermen would continue to fish in British waters. The final compromise between Brussels and London, among other things, was for European fishermen to gradually surrender a quarter of their quota over a period of 5.5 years.
British fishermen, many of whom depend on exports to the EU, are dissatisfied with the post-Brexit trade. Boundary restrictions have been introduced since their departure from the EU and their dependence on rapid transport, and their livelihoods are at risk.
