The European Union agreed on Thursday to take a unified stand against whaling in a statement issued just days before the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting this month.
"With this decision the European Union can now take a strong role at the International Whaling Commission and use all its political, moral and economic weight to ensure a more effective protection of whales worldwide," said EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.
The European Commission has been spearheading efforts to find a joint position but as the 27-nation bloc is not yet a party to the IWC, it cannot negotiate on behalf of member states. Environment ministers meeting in Luxembourg adopted a common position based on support for the current moratorium on commercial whaling, the setting up of whale sanctuaries and encouraging the use of non-lethal methods to collect scientific data.
"There is no need to kill whales to obtain scientific information about whales," the EU's executive Commission said in a statement. “Adequate data for management purposes can be obtained using non-lethal techniques," it added.
“This is exciting and welcome news,” said Sea Shepherd Founder and President Captain Paul Watson. “With Australia’s Labor government backing down from its campaign promises to aggressively defend the whales, the united European position will help to take up the slack.”
More at link:
http://www.seashepherd.org/news/media_0806... Considering their close proximity and economic ties, maybe this will also help convince Norway and Iceland to abandon their whaling practices.
