Protesters fear the annual negotiations between the EC and the member states could lead to serious cuts in the fishing fleet, if plans to cut quotas to protect stocks go ahead.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Blockade on port of Calais lifted

In the daily Brussels briefing later an EC spokesman said "member states would benefit from a country like Britain being in the euro".

BBC: No 10 denies shift in euro policy

If member states are unhappy with the EC's final response they could choose to challenge the legality of the measure at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

BBC: Scotland