Faroe Islands to pursue fishing agreements outside EU

The Faroe Islands will negotiate fishing agreements on pelagic stocks independently of the EU, according to a report by the European Council on future cooperation with non-EU Western European countries.

The council expressed strong disapproval of the Faroese practice of concluding bilateral deals on mackerel and herring quotas outside EU frameworks. However, Faroese foreign and fisheries minister Bárður á Steig Nielsen stated that the islands prioritise their own interests but hope the EU will participate in future agreements.