EBCD and the EU Seafood Alliance (Europêche, EAPO, FEAP and Seafood Europe) met with Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, to discuss their shared priorities for the future of consumption of EU aquatic food in the EU.
With the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture now included in the European Commission’s 2026 Work Programme, stakeholders are intensifying their call for an EU Blue Foods Action Plan fully integrated into the Vision (stakeholders proposal). The proposal has already received strong backing from several institutions and organisations, including the European Economic and Social Committee, Members of the European Parliament, and multiple Advisory Councils.
Stakeholders stressed that fisheries and aquaculture must be treated as agriculture is – as strategic providers of food, directly linked to food systems, food security and food sovereignty. This is the expectation for the upcoming 2040 Vision.
To support this, the group proposed working closely together with Commissioner Kadis’ services to co-develop the Blue Foods Action Plan through a genuinely bottom-up approach. As a first step, the group highlights the need to establish an EU Blue Foods Platform, backed by institutional and financial support to advance sustainability initiatives and foster research, innovation, and sustainable investments.
Participants stressed the importance of better coordination across the Commission, noting that Blue Foods intersects with multiple policy areas: the sustainable use of fisheries and aquaculture resources, maritime affairs, health, trade and environment. Avoiding past fragmentation will be essential to delivering a coherent and future-proof Vision.
The foundational and widely recognised unique value of aquatic foods as “nature’s superfood”- a reality that must be actively championed and integrated across all relevant policy domains – was reiterated. The exceptional nutrient density, low carbon footprint, and production in close connection with healthy aquatic ecosystem, underscores why Blue Foods are both a public health asset and a climate solution, while also sustaining jobs, economic activity and resilience for coastal and rural communities across Europe. They warned that fisheries and aquaculture must not be left behind in the simplification and competitiveness revolution the Commission is promoting.
The stakeholder group will continue its outreach, meeting with Commissioners, EU institutions and additional partners to ensure the message is clearly heard: Europe needs an ambitious Blue Foods Action Plan embedded in the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Organisations
EBCD: The European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) founded in 1989 and based in Brussels (Belgium). EBCD supports science-based solutions, full stakeholder participation, due consideration for the socio-economic aspects and respect for cultural diversity, while specializing in maritime affairs, fisheries, aquaculture and oceans governance. EBCD promotes the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources both in Europe and worldwide.
Europêche: Europêche is the representative body for fishermen in the European Union.
EAPO: The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) was founded in 1980 and is unifying 31 Producers Organisations among 12 EU Member States. As an association of European recognised Producers Organisations, our key role is to assist our members, and the people onboard the 4.000 fishing vessels they represent in achieving the objectives of the Common Fishery Policy (CFP) and the Common Market Organisation (CMO) for fishery and aquaculture products. EAPO aims to strengthen the cooperation between European POs by looking for common grounds in addressing the challenges for European fisheries, such as securing sustainable food production through socio-economic viability, with respect for the environment, cultural heritage and livelihoods.
FEAP: The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) is the united voice of professional fish farmers in Europe. Representing 25 national associations and around 14,000 enterprises, FEAP promotes sustainable aquaculture by engaging with EU institutions, international organisations, and stakeholders to secure a competitive and responsible future for Europe’s fish farming sector.
Seafood Europe (former AIPCE.CEP): Seafood Europe, established in 1959 as AIPCE and CEP, rebrands as Seafood Europe in 2025, building on the legacy of 66 years of collaboration between EU Fish Processors and Traders Associations. It represents 16 National Associations from 10 Member States and 2 Third countries (UK, Norway). It accounts for more than 3,900 enterprises and 128,000 persons (more than 80% representativeness at EU level). The value of the output of the industry represented by AIPCE.CEP amounts to around EUR 34 billion.
EBCD and the EU Seafood Alliance Press Release – Call Blue Action Plan
