COP26: Macron greeted by Johnson upon his arrival, against a backdrop of “fishing war” – BFMTV

Paris and London have been clashing for several weeks over the new fishing regulations that followed the implementation of Brexit.

French President Emmanuel Macron entered the COP26 this Monday shortly after noon (French time) in Glasgow (Scotland). He was received by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, because it is the United Kingdom which is hosting this international climate conference this time.

The two men gave each other an elbow hug, instead of shaking hands, as has been the practice since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tensions between Paris and London

This reunion between the two leaders takes place while London and Paris have been struggling for several weeks on the issue of fishing. Under the Brexit deal, European fishermen can continue to work in certain UK waters provided they can prove that they previously fished there. But the French and the British argue over the nature and extent of the supporting documents to be provided.

France thus threatened to apply the ban on British fishing vessels from unloading their cargo in French ports and the strengthening of customs controls on trucks. The United Kingdom calls for these threats to be lifted. Paris and London believe they are in their right and French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday at the end of the G20 that the “ball was in the British court”.

For the opening of COP26, the President of the Republic is due to deliver a speech at 3:15 p.m. (French time) on Monday. In all, more than 120 heads of state and government from around the world are expected to attend this international meeting over the next two weeks.