Malta yesterday insisted on the need for a more flexible approach by the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, particularly when it comes to sustainable fisheries.

Addressing the EU’s Fisheries Council yesterday, Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes explained that where fish stocks were shared with non-EU countries, which was largely the case with Malta, data collection and the attainment of conservation benefits depended on joint action with third country partners.

The European Commission’s current proposals, he said, did not sufficiently cater for this reality and might lead to a failed Common Fisheries Policy.

Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and France had adopted the same stand, the Government said.