The opinion, for which Javier Garat, President of Europêche, acted as rapporteur, stresses that this amount—equivalent to the current 2021–2027 budget— is essential to safeguard fisheries as one of the few exclusive competences of the European Union and to prevent the sector from having to compete financially with other priorities within the future National and Regional Partnership Fund. 

’The EESC is sending a clear message to EU institutions: fisheries need a stable, dedicated and predictable financial framework that provides legal certainty for fishers and enables the effective delivery of the CFP’s legally binding objectives,’ said Javier Garat.

The opinion, supported by Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche, acting as advisor, calls for fisheries to be addressed in a dedicated chapter, separate from agriculture, as currently proposed. It further underlines that public support is indispensable to enable fishers to invest in innovative technologies, enhance safety on board, attract younger generations to the sector, advance the decarbonisation of fishing activities, and safeguard the competitiveness of the EU fleet vis-à-vis third countries.

The opinion is concerned about the apparent prioritisation of achieving the objectives of the non-binding European Ocean Pact, instead of prioritising contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the CFP, which is the objective defined under the TFEU. In this context, the EESC calls on Member States to ensure sufficient investments in key areas such as data collection, control, fisheries management and fleet-related measures. 

Furthermore, the opinion advocates for a more flexible definition of small-scale coastal fisheries, aligned with FAO and regional fisheries management organisation criteria. It also warns about the ageing of the EU fishing fleet, with an average age of 31.5 years, and the ongoing loss of workforce. To address this, the EESC considers it essential to develop fleet modernisation and renewal plans aimed at improving energy efficiency, safety and working conditions without increasing fishing capacity. 

The Committee welcomes the European Commission’s intention to establish a simple architecture without overly prescriptive rules. It urges the creation of swift procedures for low-budget aid and calls for a level playing field in access to funding across EU nations and regions. The Committee also advocates for the adoption of harmonised, cross-sectoral guidelines on the ‘do no significant harm’ principle, ensuring that it supports fleet modernisation. 

Legal certainty for fishers

The opinion also highlights the need to strengthen legal certainty for beneficiaries. The EESC opposes the requirement to recover aid several years after it has been granted due to serious infringements, arguing that this undermines the non bis in idem principle, creates legal uncertainty and leads to underutilisation of funds. It also supports aligning future aid schemes with the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and calls for maintaining the spirit of the current EMFAF: everything that is not explicitly prohibited, should be considered permitted.

Through these recommendations, the EESC seeks to ensure that the next Multiannual Financial Framework fully recognises the strategic importance of European fisheries for food security, the cohesion of coastal communities and the imperative need for EU sustainable production model.

Press Contact:

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche| email: daniel.voces@europeche.org; Phone: +32 489 26 81 07

EP Press Release – EESC opinion EMFAF 2028

Regulatory barriers must be removed urgently

Participants highlighted that EU rules limiting the possibility to increase spaces on board are incompatible with modern, cleaner propulsion systems and innovative vessel designs. These constraints not only hinder the deployment of hybrid, electric and alternative fuel technologies—which often require additional space on board—but also prevent improvements in safety and well-being for crews, ultimately undermining the attractiveness of the sector for young workers.

Closing the funding gap for the Energy Transition

The organisations stressed that the energy transition will not be achievable without strong public support and clear policy signals. Current funding frameworks remain insufficient in scale and overly restrictive, rendering many necessary investments either ineligible or financially unviable. They therefore called for a revision of EU funding rules, the establishment of a fleet renewal plan, enabling funding for the withdrawal of obsolete vessels and the creation of dedicated financing pipelines combining EU and national funds with public guarantees to effectively de-risk private investment in the aquaculture and fisheries sectors.

Skills, safety and strengthening of the value chain

The transition to new technologies requires investment in training, safety and working conditions, as well as closer cooperation across the value chain. The sector called for structured dialogue between fisheries, shipyards, investors and research partners, and for fisheries and aquaculture to be fully integrated into broader EU maritime and transport energy strategies.

A clear call to action – “Fisheries and Aquaculture Omnibus”

Stakeholders in the meeting concluded with a unified message: the energy transition of fisheries must move from ambition to implementation. This requires to quickly remove urgent regulatory bottlenecks, without waiting for a full reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. It also demands simplified access to adequate EU funding for energy transition investments and fleet retrofit, underpinned by a stable, long-term policy framework capable of restoring investor confidence and accelerating deployment on the ground.

The organisations welcomed Commissioner Kadis’ commitment to work closely with the sector and to deliver a forward-looking Roadmap that stimulates a competitive, sustainable and socially responsible blue economy.

Press contact:

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org; phone: +32 489 26 81 07

European Shipyards, Maritime Manufacturing and Fisheries Sectors Press Release – Energy Transition Commisioner

On 16 December, the UK, Norway, Faroe Islands and Iceland concluded a partial agreement on the sharing of Northeast Atlantic mackerel fishing opportunities, as well as on the level of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2026. This outcome effectively rewards the unilateral setting of excessive and inflated quotas by non-EU countries in recent years, while disregarding genuine, sustainable track records and the legitimate interests of the EU and its fishers. The collective share of the four parties now totals 79.45%, leaving not enough space to accommodate the EU claim based on historical, sustainable track records and legitimate economic interest. The agreement does not only exclude the EU but also Greenland, while doing nothing to prevent overfishing by Russia.

As the four parties agreed that “299,010 tonnes should represent the Total Allowable Catch” for 2026, they deviate from the approach taken by the EU. The TAC and Quota Regulation contains a preliminary catch limit of 156,921 tonnes – 90% of the ICES headline advice for the TAC – for the first six months of 2026.

EU fishers continue to pay the price for years of irresponsible behaviour by other countries, facing a sharp reduction and an unlevel playing field in mackerel fishing opportunities for 2026 and long-term damage to their market position. Therefore, the EU industry calls on the EU and other Coastal States to reconvene without delay and negotiate a fair and equitable comprehensive arrangement between all Coastal States. The EU must make full use of its leverage as the primary market for seafood exports from other Coastal States. Concrete action against the continuous and repeated overfishing is urgently needed, up to and including trade measures. Threats of action are no longer enough.

Tim Heddema, spokesperson for the EU pelagic fishing industry, comments: “This development causes deep concerns and raises many questions. Does this represent a breach of the EU-UK TCA by the UK? How will the EU deal with the differences in catch limits and protect EU fishing rights? In any case, we need a course of action from the EU side and we need it now. It is extremely distressing to note that while the EU is still the chair of the mackerel consultations, it has lately not managed to be involved in actual negotiations. We are in a deep crisis.” 

Press contact:

Tim Heddema, Chair of the EAPO Northern Pelagic Working Group and Vice-President of Europêche: +31625045602; theddema@pelagicfish.eu

EAPO and EP Press Release – Mackerel

The proposal foresees drastic reductions in fishing effort:

• Up to –65% fewer fishing days for trawlers in France and Spain
• –64% in Italy
• A baseline of 9.6 days per vessel per year, if no compensatory measures are applied
• Strong new restrictions on hake longliners
• Limits on deep-water shrimp catches
• Additional restrictive fishing calendars in key areas

These cuts come despite the already significant sacrifices made by fishers to rebuild stocks. These efforts have been acknowledged in the FAO–GFCM’s State of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries (2025), which notes significant improvements and fish populations increase in several stocks.

Yet, instead of consolidating this progress through balanced, predictable, and socially just measures, the Commission proposes a package that the sector widely considers economically unsustainable. Even with the Commission’s proposed compensation scheme to recover fishing days through additional conservation measures, the impact in regions such as Catalonia, the Western Mediterranean, and the Strait of Sicily, would be severe and disproportionate. According to the social partners, the proposed package is not in line with the latest scientific advice.

Despite constantly being referred to as the model to follow, the European Commission’s proposal lacks a genuinely holistic approach. Other relevant environmental stressors – such as such rising temperature of waters and water acidification – and human activities that impact fish stocks are disregarded, and the blame seems to fall exclusively on fishers.

Fundamental Questions for the Commission

Given the gravity of the situation, the European Social Partners request clear answers from the European Commission:

1. Have the measures drafted for 2026 been accompanied by a socioeconomic study assessing their potential impacts on workers and businesses, and how to address them?
2. How can the EU, in a phase where competitiveness and food sovereignty are declared priorities, continue disregarding the future of Mediterranean fishers?
   Fishers provide fresh, local protein and contribute to Europe’s maritime economy and strategic food autonomy. These proposals undermine that mission.
3. Why did the Commission not propose changes, knowing that this scenario would repeat itself? If no other proposal was possible because of the multiannual plan, why did the Commission not put forward the necessary changes in advance? For the second consecutive year, fishing vessel owners and fishers face an identical crisis without structural solutions.
4. Are compensatory measures truly feasible across all regions?
   While the proposal allows the recovery of some days through selective gear or new closures, this is not possible everywhere. What will happen to the sector in those regions?

Fishers warn that these reductions amount to an invitation to push companies and workers out of the sector, accelerating a process already visible in many coastal areas where young people are leaving the profession and communities are losing their economic base.

Call for an Immediate Change of Course

The European Social Partners urge the Commission and EU Fisheries Ministers, who will negotiate the final package on 11–12 December, to adopt a balanced, realistic and socially sustainable approach.

We call for:

• Measures that protect both marine resources and the right of coastal communities to sustain their livelihoods;
• A framework that ensures predictability, regional viability, and fair treatment for all fleets;
• A sufficient allocation of fishing days to safeguard economic viability, with 180 days per year as baseline reference;
• The removal of catch limits for deep-water red shrimp;
• Meaningful dialogue with social partners and fishers on the ground, whose knowledge and sacrifices must be recognized and respected. 

Social Partners concluded: ‘Fishers have done and are doing their part: modernising fleets, innovative and adaptive fishing methods and complying with strict closures and reductions. Now it is time for the EU to fulfill its responsibility: protecting the women and men who feed Europe, and preserving the communities that depend on the sea. It is an SOS call for the Mediterranean fisheries sector.’ 

Press Contact:

Daniel Voces, Europêche Managing Director (+32 489 26 81 07 / daniel.voces@europeche.org)

Andrea Albertazzi, ETF Fisheries Policy Officer (+32 470 93 05 89 / a.albertazzi@etf-europe.org)

Riccardo Pelani, Copa-Cogeca Policy Advisor on Aquaculture and Fisheries (riccardo.pelani@copa-cogeca.eu; +32 478189915)

EU Social Partners Press Release – Mediterranean

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

For instance, no progress was made on allocating yellowfin tuna to continue securing the long-term sustainable management of the fishery or on determining the precise fishing capacity in the Atlantic.

A last-minute bittersweet agreement on bluefin tuna

The 29th ordinary meeting of ICCAT took place from 17^th to 24^th November 2025 in Sevilla, Spain. This session saw the adoption of a new Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and allocation scheme for bluefin tuna. The new TAC of 48 403 tonnes represented an increase of nearly 20%, as the highest recommendation by ICCAT’s scientific committee (SCRS), as a result of the stock’s favourable health. ICCAT also decided to allow some new entrants in the fishery: Mauritania, Namibia, Panama and Senegal.

From the European industry, it is a mixed outcome, explains Javier Garat, President of Europêche: “The bluefin tuna TAC increase gives less additional quota than expected to European fishers, which have made tremendous efforts. Also, we cannot ignore the trade-offs: the EU has reduced its share to accommodate new claims, creating uncertainty in a fishery made up of a wide and diverse fleet, and creating a worrying precedent. We are especially concerned about Senegal’s new allocation, given the serious compliance issues raised this year regarding its management of tropical tuna quotas.”

New management measures adopted

On a positive note, ICCAT successfully adopted a management procedure, detailing long-term harvest strategies, on North Atlantic Swordfish and another one for western Atlantic skipjack tuna.

Concerning stagnation in the tropical tuna fishery

The high expectations from the tropical tuna fishing industry for ICCAT were all frustrated. European tuna fleets have long invested in the Atlantic fishery with a long-term vision: sustainable management is necessary to keep supplying consumers with healthy and affordable products while guaranteeing safe and dignified working conditions for their crews. Maintaining viable companies operating to the highest social, control and environmental standards, like the European ones, is vital.

At this year’s ICCAT meeting, three concrete decisions could have significantly strengthened that path: allocating the yellowfin TAC to prevent quota overshoots; increasing the bigeye TAC in line with SCRS advice, relieving fleets that have sacrificed heavily to rebuild the stock; and lifting the Fish Aggregating Device (FAD)-closure, a measure disproportionately affecting purse-seiners despite the absence of scientific evidence of its benefit for the stock. None of these issues reached an agreement.

Xavier Leduc, president of Europêche Tuna Group, deplores the lack of decisions: “Unfortunately, none of the tropical tuna pressing issues, including an allocation for yellowfin tuna and the elimination of the FAD moratorium, resulted in an agreement this year, leaving our European responsible fisheries more vulnerable. We urge ICCAT Parties to use the intersessional period to find balanced, science-based solutions that protect the fishery, the companies that depend on it, and the people whose livelihood is at stake. Behind our fishing companies stand men and women, fishers and onshore teams, port workers, shipyard staff and cannery employees, whose livelihoods depend on ICCAT’s decisions”.

Better compliance remains an aspiration, not yet an achievement

ICCAT adopted a resolution establishing a record of vessels over 20 meters. According to Anne-France Mattlet, director Europêche Tuna Group, this register does not allow for determining the actual fishing capacity in the region, which is essential to implement effective management measures: “Without crucial data on fish hold capacity in cubic meters, as recommended by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation and applied in the Eastern Pacific, ICCAT cannot know the true capacity of the fleet. Understanding vessel capacity is essential to ensure adequate and sustainable management”.

Compliance procedures also remain weak. The current system struggles to track non-compliance effectively: there is no clear summary document, no follow-up mechanism, and no automated process to address violations. While the European Union’s proposal to streamline reporting and follow-up has been adopted, much work remains before ICCAT can ensure robust enforcement.

Shark management frustration

No consensus was reached on the many proposals aimed at improving shark management or reinforcing the fight against shark finning. The European fleet has applied the fins-naturally-attached policy for years and continues to call for a level playing field across the Atlantic.

“Do you want ICCAT to deal with sharks?” With this provocative question, ICCAT Chair Ernesto Peñas underscored the need for the organisation to demonstrate leadership to avoid being overshadowed by bodies such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). ICCAT has progressed for certain shark species, such as blue sharks, and need to keep this approach.

ICCAT steps up as BBNJ Agreement takes effect

Although progress is limited in certain areas, ICCAT has in previous years proven its efficiency in sustainably managing Atlantic tuna fisheries. The organisation is determined to build on these achievements and to safeguard its mandate, particularly in the context of the newly ratified BBNJ Agreement, a commitment reaffirmed in a new resolution.

Jérome Jourdain, member of the Europêche delegation in ICCAT, says: “ICCAT and other RFMOs bring decades of scientific expertise to sustainably manage high seas fisheries. Future measures under BBNJ must fully respect RFMO mandates. Otherwise we risk undoing decades of management and threatening fisheries’ vital contribution to global food security, recognized by the United Nations under the BBNJ Agreement”.

Press contacts:

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: +32 489 26 81 07 daniel.voces@europeche.org

Anne-France Mattlet, Europêche Tuna Group Director: +33 6 78 11 63 01 anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org

EP Press Release – ICCAT 2025

At the Annual Meeting of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission in London (11-14 November), the EU, the UK, Norway, Faroe Islands, Greenland and the Russian Federation gathered to discuss management measures for various stocks, including setting the 2026 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring. But rather than delivering on much-needed stability and sustainability, parties became stuck in their respective trenches. This means still no TACs for mackerel and blue whiting, no tighter rules against transhipment and no certainty about submission of Russian catch data (which is crucial for the provision of robust scientific advice). The inability of NEAFC as a body to promote good cooperation and sound, unbiased decision-making contrasts heavily with recent performance of other Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), such as NAFO (North Atlantic) and SPRFMO (South Pacific) and IOTC (Indian Ocean). Sadly, it is also a continuation of failed and contentious bilateral, trilateral and multilateral consultations in the Northeast Atlantic, lacking cohesion. This situation calls for urgent evaluation and independent intervention.

It is very concerning to the EU industry that the EU became largely isolated at the NEAFC Annual Meeting. Discussions frequently went against sensible and responsible approaches to management, and catered instead to Russian interests. There really is no good reason why this week did not bring about a blue whiting TAC, which was already pre-conceived at the October Coastal States consultations, or progress on a comprehensive mackerel management package including a TAC, a sharing arrangement and supporting measures such as limiting catches in international waters. The industry requires clarity on the TACs fast, for the sake of its fishing plans for a year in which each part of the fleet will struggle with huge quota cuts.

The EU industry was extremely disheartened to learn that discussions on mackerel are ongoing without active participation of the EU and the current chair of these consultations. As talks are entering a decisive phase, at a critical moment for the mackerel stock, the industry urges all Coastal States to engage constructively and creatively. Parties need to work on rebuilding relationships and to focus on the grand prize, which should be the same for everyone: a healthy mackerel stock that allows each party to capitalise on its fair economic interests and track records and that continues to contribute to food security in many places in the world. This can only be achieved with a comprehensive approach, with the support of all involved. The EU industry calls on the chair of the mackerel consultations to facilitate such a process without delay, and to organise higher political involvement if needed.

The EU industry remains committed to responsible mackerel fishery. The EU is the only Coastal State that has not departed from the most recent quota sharing arrangement. Others have set excessive unilateral quotas, swapped in part of those inflated quotas or entered into partial agreements cementing these illegitimate track records, thereby all contributing to systematic overfishing. Lack of agreement has also perpetuated indeterminate overfishing by Russia.

As a result, the mackerel stock, however resilient it has shown itself to be, has fallen to a critical level. If the scientific advice is not followed in 2026, a zero-catch advice for 2027 could become reality. As the EU industry already pointed out in 2023, ‘hindcast’ research shows that were it not for the overshoot throughout the years, managers would now be able to increase the TAC. Catches in the past 10 years could have been up to 30% higher on average. To counter current irresponsible practices in the absence of a new sharing arrangement, the EU should now apply targeted trade measures based on the revised Regulation 1026/2012[1]. 

Tim Heddema, spokesperson for the EU pelagic fishing industry, comments: “Fisheries management in the Northeast Atlantic is at a crossroads. Do we keep fighting small battles – with sometimes huge consequences – on several different battlegrounds? Will parties stay entrenched in positions that only they feel are justified? Neither fish stocks nor fleets, certainly not the EU’s, have benefited from current practices, which have also been fraught with geopolitical tensions. It seems the time has come to take a fresh look at the entirety of our relations and interests and on how a management body like NEAFC can support our cooperation. As an industry, we are ready to play our part as always. In the meantime, all efforts should be undertaken to set a mackerel TAC for 2026 and reach agreement on a comprehensive management package for this key stock.”

[1] EU Regulation on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing

Contact:

Tim Heddema, Chair of the EAPO Northern Pelagic Working Group and Vice-President of Europêche

+31625045602 / theddema@pelagicfish.eu

EAPO & EP Press Release – NEAFC Annual Meeting

Yesterday, Europêche held a constructive meeting with Mrs María Martin-Prat, Deputy Director-General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade, and her team covering Asia and trade policy coordination. The dialogue focused on securing fair market conditions for EU seafood producers in ongoing trade negotiations — particularly with Thailand and North Atlantic partners — and ensuring that fisheries’ competitiveness, sustainability and social standards are not undermined by trade liberalisation.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, stated: “We strongly support open and rules-based trade, but not at the expense of the future of our fishers. The EU cannot continue to tighten sustainability obligations on its own fleets while granting duty-free access to products caught or processed under far lower environmental and social conditions. Stronger coordination between DG TRADE and DG MARE is essential to ensure that trade policy upholds the same sustainability and social standards that guide the EU’s fisheries policy and guarantees a true level playing field.”

EU- Thailand Free Trade Agreement between: Prevent unfair competition from low-standard tuna

Thailand is one of the world’s largest tuna processors, producing around 450,000 tonnes annually yet exporting only about 10,000 tonnes to the EU due to existing tariffs. Europêche warned that eliminating or relaxing these tariffs under a future FTA would seriously distort competition, as tuna processed in Thailand often originates from fleets with weak labour and environmental standards, raising risks of IUU fishing and forced labour, but also production costs. It is twice more costly to catch one ton of tuna on a European vessel than on South-East Asian ones.

Europêche calls for applying extremely strict rules of origin, applying only to wholly obtained tuna and excluding cumulative rules, imposing binding ratification of ILO Fundamental Conventions 87 as a precondition for tariff benefits. Equally important is applying enhanced traceability and origin labelling to ensure EU consumers know the true source of imported tuna: the flag of the vessel and catch area.

Trade and Cooperation Agreement with United Kingdom: Ensure post-Brexit mutual access and fairness in marine environmental policies

Europêche welcomed the extension of reciprocal fishing access until 2038 under the EU–UK agreement but expressed concern over new Marine Protected Area restrictions. First implemented in Scottish waters and now projected in Southern UK waters, the impact of these measures falls disproportionately on European vessels, which suffer nearly five times greater economic losses compared to UK vessels operating in the same areas. The organisation urged the Commission to ensure that MPA measures remain proportionate, non-discriminatory and compliant with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), and to press the UK to reopen the sandeel fishery unjustifiably closed to EU vessels. DG TRADE showed interest in the concerns raised by Europêche and encouraged continued dialogue with DG MARE. The Directorate also expressed interest in receiving additional technical information to further inform its assessment of the issues.

Norway and Coastal States: Protect the EU market from catches originated from unilateral overfishing of shared stocks

Europêche denounced the unilateral quota increases by Norway, the Faroe Islands and Russia on key pelagic stocks, especially mackerel, herring and blue whiting, which have caused overfishing and a 70% drop in mackerel catches for next year. The organisation called on the Commission to trigger the EU’s new Regulation on unsustainable practices against these actions and to also tackle the import of Russian-caught cod transiting through Norway that arrive to our market tariff free.

Furthermore, Europêche believes that time has come to look into the possibility of amending the fisheries cooperation agreement with Norway in a way that ensures EU-fishers access to Norwegian waters even if quotas are not in place by the first of January. This approach should be considered within a broader context of EU-Norway trade and cooperation.

New EU-Morocco trade and fisheries agreement: Preserving a strategic partnership and sustainable fisheries

Europêche welcomes the new EU mandate to negotiate a fisheries agreement with Morocco, a strategic partner for sustainable, science-based fisheries management and food security. For Europêche it is fundamental that future fishing opportunities reflect the good performance and sustainability of stocks in recent years, particularly the pelagic fishery. The sector urges the Commission to base future arrangements on scientific evidence and mutual economic benefit.

United States: Ensure reciprocal market access

The 15% tariff on EU seafood has created a new trade barrier, causing significant economic harm to European companies, while US exporters continue to enjoy duty-free access for a wide range of seafood products. Europêche called on the Commission to secure equivalent tariff exemptions for key European exports such as bluefin tuna, scallops, and hake, ensuring a level playing field and fair competition across the Atlantic. DG TRADE acknowledged that the 15% tariff represents a negotiated compromise, yet expressed openness to hold a technical meeting.

Autonomous Tariff Quotas: Prevent unfair competition

While access to non-EU raw materials is essential where there is no or insufficient EU production, tariff derogations such as Autonomous Tariff Quotas (ATQs) must be strictly linked to sustainability criteria and excluded for tuna, in order to safeguard fair competition and the long-term competitiveness of EU fleets.

Due Diligence: Equal rules for EU and non-EU operators

Europêche expressed concern that reporting obligations for non-EU operators have been postponed indefinitely, while EU fleets and processors will face these requirements from 2027. This asymmetry would undermine the level playing field and distort competition. Europêche urged the Commission to ensure that due diligence rules apply simultaneously and equally to all companies placing seafood on the EU market, regardless of origin.

WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

Europêche stresses that the next phase must allow essential fleet renewal, safeguard the EU’s sustainable funding model and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements, and enable vital support measures during crises such as COVID or Ukraine.

Press contacts:

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: +32 489 26 81 07 daniel.voces@europeche.org

Anne-France Mattlet, Europêche Tuna Group Director +33 6 78 11 63 01: anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org

EP Press Release – Meeting DG TRADE

A regulatory evolution that rewards EU fleet excellency

Applicable from 27 January 2026, the new rule requires freezer vessels to demonstrate a validated, continuous process capable of reaching –18 °C in the fish core. Crucially, brine temperature must be monitored electronically in real time, with records available to competent authorities. Only vessels whose capacity has been validated and documented at approval will be entered on an authorised list, a condition for placing tuna on the EU market. This should eliminate fraudulent practices of re-freeze at -18°C tuna that was first frozen at higher temperature and meant for other use, to sell it to consumers as “fresh” or “frozen”. Such practices can make tuna develop dangerous levels of histamine, which poses a serious health risk to consumers.

This new regulation finally aligns market-access conditions with the level of control and investment that characterises the EU fleet. It recognizes the long-term commitment of the EU fleet to measurable performance and verified safety. Long before this regulation, European operators had already equipped their vessels with advanced brine-freezing and monitoring systems, tested and documented under real conditions. The industry did the science and proved the technology to make EU-frozen tuna at –18 °C a global reference for safety and reliability. This is the standard others will now have to match to reach the EU market.

Consumer safety first

The new rule also addresses a public-health concern. When it comes to food safety, alignment of all products sold in the EU with EU standards is a necessity.

Anne-France Mattlet, director of Europêche Tuna Group, insists: “The two latest RASFF alerts in October concerning histamine contamination in tuna from Indonesia and Sri Lanka clearly highlight the need for such a level playing field. European consumers have the right to expect that any tuna sold in the EU is completely safe, regardless of its origin. The high sanitary standards applied by the EU fleet must therefore become the prerequisite for any fleet wishing to access the EU market.”

Press contacts:

Anne-France Mattlet, Europêche Tuna Group Director: anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org

EP Press Release – Tuna Frozen in Brine

The Social Partners stressed that a strong, dedicated fisheries fund — supporting fleet modernisation, decarbonisation, generational renewal, enhanced safety, training, and working conditions — is the recipe for a thriving EU fisheries sector. 

The Commissioner reiterated the European Commission’s commitment to sustainable, competitive and resilient fisheries, confirming that the ongoing evaluation of the CFP will be published in spring 2026, and that the upcoming Vision for Fisheries 2040 will place strong emphasis on the social dimension, safety, and skills of the workforce. He also recognised the role of the Social Dialogue Committee in ensuring that the human element of fisheries remains at the forefront of EU policymaking.

Looking ahead to fishing opportunities for 2026, the discussion focused on balancing resource conservation with the livelihoods of fishers. Social Partners warned that heavy quota cuts and area closures are threatening jobs, incomes, and the sector’s appeal to younger generations — particularly in the already strained Mediterranean. The Committee reiterated the need to integrate socio-economic considerations in setting fishing limits, while stressing that fishers need some fresh air from Brussels to stay in business.

The meeting also addressed the EU’s external fisheries policy, underlining the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure that European fleets operate on a level playing field globally. Social Partners stressed the importance of promoting decent work and labour standards beyond EU waters, recalling that the European Commission must refrains from promoting labour standards below C188 in any international fora.

Cor Blonk, Chair of the Committee, stated: ‘Today’s meeting reaffirmed the importance of constructive social dialogue between workers, employers and the European Commission. Our message is clear: to achieve sustainability, Europe needs viable and competitive fleets, decent jobs, and policies that reflect the realities of our sector. We also call for harmonised training and mobility across the EU through a dedicated Directive — so that fishers can work safely and confidently anywhere in Europe.’

Mr Juan Manuel Trujillo, ETF Fisheries Section Chair, declared ‘We welcome the Commissioner’s commitment to keep the social dimension of fisheries at the centre of EU policy. However, the proposed changes to the MFF risk leaving our workers without the necessary support to make the sector safer, fairer, and more attractive for young people. Fishing is not a sector of the past – it must be part of Europe’s sustainable future.’

The Committee welcomed the substantial work presented during the meeting by the STECF to develop both quantitative indicators and qualitative data—such as the National Fisheries Profiles[1]—on the social dimension of the fisheries sector. This represents a significant first step towards ensuring that social impact assessments are systematically embedded and duly considered in all EU fisheries initiatives.

EU Social Partners look forward to continuing working closely with Commissioner Kadis and his team to ensure that the EU’s Vision for Fisheries 2040 delivers balance between people, planet and profit, the three pillars of sustainability.

For further information, please contact:

Daniel Voces, Europêche Managing Director (+32.489.26.81.07 or daniel.voces@europeche.org)

Andrea Albertazzi, ETF Fisheries Policy Officer (+32.470.93.05.89 or a.albertazzi@etf-europe.org)

SP Press Release – Meeting Kadis Final