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European Union

EU Breaks Off Contacts with Canada Over Fishing Dispute

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Union yesterday severed all political contacts with Canada, protesting the detention of a Spanish fishing boat seized in international waters last week. The dispute has escalated with the Spanish government banning official visits between Spain and Canada, while the EU puts off a decision to impose trade sanctions. The EU has warned Canada that prolonged relations will be strained if the issue isn't resolved quickly.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union broke off all political contacts with Canada in protest over the detention of a Spanish fishing boat seized in international waters last week.
  • The Spanish government has banned all official visits between Spain and Canada, and will take the Canadian government to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
  • The EU has delayed a decision to impose retaliatory trade sanctions against Canada, but warned Ottawa that long-term relations will be strained if the dispute isn't resolved rapidly.
  • An agreement on joint research and development projects between the EU and Canada has been suspended.
  • The German ambassador to the EU, Dietrich von Kyaw, stated that formal dialogue with Canada in all areas will be stopped until the Spanish fishing boat is released.
  • Canadian officials in London reported being "overwhelmed" with messages of support from Britons, while government ministers sought to avoid sanctions and a potential deployment of the Royal Navy.

Statistics:

  • The number of EU countries that rallied behind Spain and denounced the Canadian action as "illegal" is 15.
  • 2 Spanish fishing boats were involved in the dispute: one seized by Canada and another sent as a warship to the disputed fishing grounds.
  • The EU has delayed a decision to impose retaliatory trade sanctions against Canada, pending further developments in the dispute.
  • 1 joint research and development project between the EU and Canada has been suspended due to the dispute.

Sources:

  • Reuters, "EU breaks off contacts with Canada over fishing dispute", ULTIMA-HOYE, May 12.
  • The Times (London), "EU breaks off contacts with Canada over fishing dispute", LEADER COMMENT, May 12.

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