PCA convenes initial meeting in EU-UK fishing dispute arbitration
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has announced that the initial organisational meeting for the arbitration between the European Union and the United Kingdom, concerning the UK's prohibition of sandeel fishing in certain waters, took place on 18 November 2024. The three-member Tribunal, chaired by Dr. Penelope Ridings, consulted with the parties on procedural matters and submission schedules. The PCA, acting as Registry, will administer the proceedings. Notably, the Tribunal has agreed to accept amicus curiae submissions until 28 November 2024, subject to specific criteria outlined in Rules 40-42 of Annex 48 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This development marks the formal commencement of arbitration proceedings in this significant fisheries dispute between the EU and post-Brexit UK.