On a Saturday in Galicia, hundreds of people broke into tears as a demonstration rose against Europe’s veto on fishing activities. The crowd gathered in a mobilization that united the parties represented in the regional parliament—PPdeG, PSdeG, and BNG—along with trade unions and sector workers. The event underscored a shared concern for the local fleet and the livelihoods tied to it, with banners that read Together for the Sea and We Fight for Our Sea, echoing a spirit of regional resolve.
The protest in Ribeira, A Coruña, unfolded under the banners You, the Sea, or We Die Without It and Caring for the Sea Yes, but Not Like This. The slogans framed a broad appeal to protect the Atlantic fishing grounds and to press for policy adjustments that would sustain communities dependent on maritime economies.
The European policy in question would take effect on Sunday, restricting trawling in 87 Atlantic regions. A recent modification had allowed operations at depths up to 400 meters, yet the Government has already lodged an appeal with the Court of Justice of the European Union, seeking to pause or revise the measure.
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The Xunta Sea Minister, Rosa Quintana, who attended alongside Diego Calvo, the Xunta’s second vice president, pressed the European Commission to reassess the regulation and consider new scientific data alongside socioeconomic impact reports. Quintana emphasized the need for a calmer, more evidence-based approach rather than a blunt veto.
She urged the Commission to reassess the latest findings, arguing that the veto did not adequately reflect current science or the broader economic implications. Quintana stressed that the fishing industry has shown a willingness to pursue sustainability while continuing to feed EU citizens, and she highlighted the importance of balancing environmental protection with the region’s economic vitality.
The national spokesperson for BNG, Ana Pontón, declared that there is no scientific or economic justification for the veto. She argued that sidelining two hundred ships would be an arbitrary decision by the European Commission, curbing productive capacity and threatening jobs and wealth at a moment when regional economies are striving to remain robust.
Following the government’s appeal, Pontón suggested that a temporary moratorium might be necessary because the legal process could take years and Galicia’s fishing capacity could suffer in the interim. She warned that Monday could be a challenging day at sea, as many operators faced uncertainty about profitability, and she criticized what she viewed as a right-leaning tilt within the European Commission.
Valentín González Formoso, the PSdeG general secretary, described the mobilization as a cry to the European Union, underscoring that Galicia would be incomplete without its fishermen and its fleet. He framed the issue as a bid to safeguard a resource that is central to the region and to its people, arguing that a united political front within the European legislative framework is necessary to push back against restrictive measures and to honor Galician traditions and pluralism across Europe.
González Formoso added that the fleet stands as a strategic asset for Galician economy and society. He urged the European People’s Party to respect Galicia’s fisheries and to recognize the significance of regional livelihoods within the broader European landscape. The message was clear: a response from European leadership should reflect the realities faced by coastal communities that depend on fishing for their daily bread.
Paula Prado of PPdeG called the situation a heavy blow for Galicia and described the veto as unfair and uncertain for the region. She attributed the policy direction to ecological radicalism prevailing within the European Union, estimating the potential impact to involve around 4,400 crew members and more than 800 million euros in economic activity. Prado’s statements framed the issue as not only a local concern but a broader conflict over how environmental goals align with regional economic health.
Paula Carril, general secretary of the CIG union, urged swift responses to blunt the blow to Galician fisheries and to protect thousands of jobs. Across the spectrum, leaders and representatives signaled a shared urgency: to defend traditional fishing practices while seeking sustainable avenues that allow fleets to operate with reasonable security and profit. The dialogue, though contentious, centered on preserving a way of life that connects families, towns, and coastlines to the sea.
In summary, the protest and the subsequent political discussions highlighted a pivotal moment for Galicia’s fishing sector. The aim was to ensure that policies protect marine ecosystems without sacrificing the livelihoods of fishermen who have navigated challenging seasons and volatile markets. The evolving debate continues to hinge on scientific evidence, economic feasibility, and the path toward a balanced, sustainable future for the region’s maritime economy.