The European Commission has granted a six-month extension to the Philippines to finalize the adoption and implementation of measures against illegal fishing to prevent trade sanctions on Philippine fisheries imports. The commission also granted six-month extensions to Papua New Guinea and Ghana as they work towards eradicating illegal fishing in their countries and implementing the necessary changes. The EU is committed to the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources at home and abroad. It considers illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing a global criminal activity harmful not only to EU fishermen, but also to local communities in developing countries.

Lee-Brago, P. (2015, February 22). EC allows Phi more time to curb illegal fishing. The Philippine Star, p. B-4.