EU/FAROE ISLANDS : HERRING ON WTO'S MENU.

The World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body is set to decide whether or not to create a panel to put an end to the dispute between the Faroe Islands and the EU over fishing Atlanto-Scandian herring. The body will make this decision during its next session, which starts on 20 January. This is a result of Denmark's delegation - acting in the name of the Faroe Islands - having made an official request, on 8 January.

On 4 November 2013, the Faroe Islands launched the procedure with the WTO, following the EU's adoption, on 20 August 2013, of Regulation (EU) 793/2013 (see Europolitics 4744) imposing trade sanctions against the Faroe Islands for fishing more than its quota of herring.

As per this regulation, EU imports of herring and mackerel from the Atlanto-Scandian area under the Faroe Islands' control, and imports of products made from or containing these fishes, are banned. Moreover, Faroese ships are now banned from...