The European Union has sparked anger in Norway after passing a new regulation that allows sanctions against countries deemed uncooperative on sustainable fisheries management. Critics argue that the move echoes the tactics of former US President Donald Trump and undermines international law.
Norway Pushes Back
The regulation, Regulation EU No 1026/2012, is designed to pressure nations that resist the EU’s views on how shared fish stocks should be managed.
While the EU argues it is acting to safeguard sustainability, Norwegian industry voices argue the measure is politically motivated.
Audun Maråk of the Norwegian fishing organisation Fiskebåt stated that the EU is deviating from internationally agreed-upon principles, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Instead, Brussels is putting more weight on “historic fishing” and raw power.
“This is Trump’s style of politics. EU threatens sanctions even when countries like Norway act responsibly and consistently,” he said.
“Norge Is on Solid Ground”
Norway stresses that its fisheries policies are rooted in science and law. Officials say the country does not demand quotas larger than those allowed by international rules.
“We have strict control of our stocks and contribute to sustainable management,” Maråk noted.
The row has intensified since Brexit, when the EU’s fishing zone shrank. Brussels has since pushed for new quota shares, even threatening sanctions in past disputes, including over cod in the Barents Sea earlier this year. Norway reluctantly gave way, but officials warn that giving in to “bullying tactics” sets a dangerous precedent.
Tension Ahead
Industry leaders say EU sanctions against Norway would be a hostile act, risking cooperation in wider areas of trade and politics.
“If Norway and our closest partners in Europe cannot defend an international rules-based order, who will?” Maråk asked.
The Norwegian government is being urged to stand firm and insist that any solutions must be based on global agreements, not unilateral EU rules. Observers warn that failure to resolve the dispute could strain relations far beyond the fisheries issue.