Minister Alois Rainer of the CSU has suspended the use of the EU’s “Catch” system and instructed the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) to keep using the national platform “Fikon II” until further notice. This move confronts an EU requirement that has been legally binding since 10 January.
“Catch” a digital information‑management system developed by the European Commission, is meant to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Rainer argues that the system currently has significant shortcomings and is not yet practical, citing cases where fish products could not be entered or exported, resulting in potential food waste and substantial economic damage to companies.
“EU rules must be clear and workable for all stakeholders” Rainer said. “I expect the Commission to present ambitious proposals soon to resolve these issues. Until then, as an emergency measure, I have directed the BLE to continue using our national IT system”. He noted that other countries had also raised concerns about Catch at this week’s EU Agrirate meeting.