Sand Eel Dispute: UK and EU Face Off in Post-Brexit Trade Battle

Sand eel is set to take center stage in the first courtroom trade battle between the UK and EU since Brexit, reports the BBC.

The UK has banned European vessels from catching the fish in its North Sea waters, citing the need to protect marine wildlife that rely on it for sustenance. However, the EU is challenging this decision, arguing that it unfairly targets Danish vessels that commercially fish sand eel, thus violating the terms of the post-Brexit trade agreement.

The disagreement is escalating towards a three-day trade tribunal hearing after attempts to resolve the issue through negotiations proved unsuccessful. Unless a resolution is reached at the last minute, this will mark the first instance of the UK and EU resorting to arbitration under the 2021 trade deal.

The case is scheduled to be heard by a panel of three international trade judges from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.

The judges have the authority to either support the UK’s ban on sand eel fishing or demand that the UK revoke or modify the ban. Failure to comply could result in Brussels imposing tariffs on British exports as a form of retaliation.

Per the terms of the trade agreement, a final verdict must be reached by the end of April, although it could be issued earlier. There is no avenue for appeal.

Meanwhile, the UK is gearing up for challenging negotiations with the EU regarding new catch limits post-June next year when the current trade deal provisions expire.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also seeking to broker fresh agreements with the EU in critical areas like security and food trade as part of broader efforts to reset relations with the EU.