The arbitration case at the Hague addresses the UK's ban on sandeel fishing for environmental reasons, marking a significant dispute between the EU and Britain post-Brexit. Denmark, supported by the EU, relies largely on sandeel catches, which are crucial for the marine ecosystem and the economy. The UK claims the ban is to protect vulnerable species, while the EU accuses London of breaching the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This case could impact EU-UK relations going forward, particularly regarding trade and fishing rights.
The EU is backing Denmark in the dispute, whose vessels take some 96 percent of the union's quota for the species, with sandeel catches averaging some 41.2 million (49 million euros) annually.
London in March ordered all fishing to stop, saying in court documents that 'sandeels are integral to the marine ecosystem of the North Sea'.
The loss of access to fisheries in English waters could affect relations with the EU, including Denmark, as they are likely to lead to employment losses and business losses overseas.
Brussels is accusing London of failing to keep to commitments made under the landmark Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which gave the EU access to British waters for several years.
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