Positive mandate, persistent challenges

Opening the meeting, Europêche Vice-President Tim Heddema welcomed the renewed political momentum for the fisheries sector. ‘The sector is encouraged by the direction set by the new Commission. We must now remain actively engaged in advancing key dossiers, as we need swift, decisive action to enhance competitiveness and cut through red tape’.

Ocean Pact & UNOC: Supportive but cautious

Europêche expressed broad support for the Council’s approach to the proposed EU Ocean Pact, respecting the division of competences between the EU and its Member States. While the Pact is listed under the Commission work programme as a non-legislative initiative aimed at boosting competitiveness, concerns were voiced over its potential transformation into an ‘Ocean Act’ without proper public consultation—particularly if it risks sidelining fisheries. Europêche strongly advocated for fisheries to remain a standalone, robust pillar within any future maritime framework.

Control Regulation: Risk of overregulation

The implementation of the revised Fisheries Control Regulation was identified as a key concern. Europêche warned that recent drafts of the implementing acts may exceed the original legal mandate, creating disproportionate burdens for the industry. ‘We call for streamlined rules that truly support fishers at sea—not unnecessary red tape. It’s imperative to ensure the urgent application of existing derogations provided in the law, such as the margin of tolerance and flexibility in the stowage of demersal catches’, said Heddema.

Norway: time for a new balanced partnership

Following the high-level dialogues and the recent visit of Commissioner Kadis to Norway, Europêche called for clarification on the commitments made by both parties on quota acknowledgements and access rights. Europêche expressed strong support for the Commission’s efforts, backed by key Member States, to address unsustainable practices in the Northeast Atlantic by Norway. The organisation urged a reset in EU-Norway relations, stressing the need for a fairer, more balanced partnership that fully respects the fishing rights of the EU fleet.

Financial framework and competitiveness

In discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Europêche strongly advocated for increased funding, fairer access criteria and a fleet renewal plan. The call was clear: fisheries is an exclusive EU competence and must be supported accordingly.

The sector welcomed the Commission’s Competitiveness Compass and its ambition to cut administrative burdens by at least 25%—and 35% for SMEs. However, Europêche emphasized that achieving tangible results requires more than internal reflections within the Commission. It called for a structured and inclusive consultation process that actively involves co-legislators and fisheries stakeholders. Crucially, this process must go beyond the narrow remit of the current evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation to address the broader structural and operational challenges facing the sector.

Revision of fisheries policies

Europêche acknowledge ongoing policy consultations such as the Ocean Pact and the evaluation of the CFP. However certain issues require urgent action such as the revision of multiannual plans, particularly the Western Mediterranean, the unjustified closure of 87 areas in the Atlantic, the landing obligation or the implementation of control derogations such as the margin of tolerance. Heddema concluded, ‘A legislative standstill is costing jobs and threatening the viability of our industry. It’s time for Brussels to deliver fresh air—and real change—for European fishers’.

Press Contact: 

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

EP Press Release – Meeting Perm Reps

The Omnibus Simplification Package aims to streamline existing EU sustainability regulations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). By consolidating these frameworks, the proposal seeks to eliminate redundancies, lower compliance costs, and provide much-needed clarity, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This is part of the new Commission’s Competitiveness Compass, which aims to reduce the administrative burden on firms by at least 25% and on SMEs by at least 35%. The sector emphasizes that simplification should go beyond reporting obligations. Additional regulatory challenges—such as compliance costs, fishing ground closures, taxation and bureaucratic inefficiencies—continue to threaten the fishing sector’s economic viability. Since 2000, the EU fishing fleet has decreased by 28%, and full-time employment in the sector has dropped by 33%. Europêche urges a practical revision that balances environmental sustainability with food security, economic viability and reduced red tape. The Commission must also conduct a thorough review of all policies affecting fisheries, including the news ones such as the Control Regulation and the Nature Restoration Law, similar to the review of the Common Agricultural Policy adopted in 2023.

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche, stated: ‘We welcome this initiative as a first step, but the Commission must go deeper. A broader analysis of sectoral and environmental policies is essential to identify and eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens. Reducing red tape, where necessary, will improve competitiveness and ensure a more practical and sustainable regulatory framework for the European fishing industry.’

Europêche welcomes the ongoing screening exercise by DG MARE to identify and reduce red tape. However, the sector calls on the Commission to establish a structured consultation with fisheries stakeholders to pinpoint specific regulatory challenges and propose practical solutions. A comprehensive strategy is essential to ensure that fisheries legislation is proportionate, coherent, and effective, enabling the sector to thrive while supporting the EU’s sustainability objectives.

For more details, read Europêche’s position paper on reducing regulatory burdens in the EU fishing sector.

Press Contact: 

Anne-France Mattlet, Deputy Director of Europêche | Email: anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org | Phone: +33 678 11 63 01 

EP Press Release – Reduction Bureaucracy

As the EU aspires to strengthen food sovereignty, Europêche underscores that fisheries is a critical pillar of Europe’s food production system. EU fisheries contributes to healthy diets, economic stability in coastal communities and reduced dependence on imported proteins. In this context, Europêche calls for the meaningful inclusion of fisheries in the Vision for Agriculture and Food and the announced legislative proposals therein to ensure a truly comprehensive strategy for a stable, resilient and self-sufficient food supply.

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche, stated: ‘Fishers and farmers face the same challenges—securing food supply in an increasingly competitive and highly regulated environment. While we welcome the Commission’s commitment to fair incomes, reduced bureaucracy and generational renewal for farmers, it is crucial to recognize that fisheries are just as essential to Europe’s food security. Our fishers face similar struggles with rising operational costs, complex regulations and the urgent need to attract young generations into the profession. They deserve the same level of support and recognition as part of the food production chain.’

Europêche calls on the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food to expand its Vision to fully integrate fisheries. Simplification packages for farmers and food businesses should also extend to fisheries, ensuring a level playing field globally and reducing bureaucratic burdens. This effort must go beyond the Common Fisheries Policy review to encompass all relevant environmental and fisheries policies, such as the Nature Restoration Law and Control Regulation. Additionally, fisheries should be fully included in the Generational Renewal Strategy set for 2025, with dedicated financial incentives, innovation, and training—just as proposed for farmers—to attract and support the next generation of fishers.

Call for an EU Action Plan for Blue Foods

Beyond inclusion in the Commission’s Vision, Europêche is calling for the development of an EU Action Plan for Blue Foods by 2026 to boost the supply and consumption of sustainable seafood. This plan should:

✅ Promote nutritious, healthy, low-carbon blue foods through sustainable fisheries and ocean-friendly innovations.
✅ Be backed by dedicated EU funding to enhance seafood production and market access.
✅ Ensure the integration of blue foods into key EU ocean and food strategies, making it a central pillar of both the EU Oceans’ Pact and the Vision for the Future of Agriculture and Food.
✅ Support public awareness campaigns on the health, environmental, and socio-economic benefits of increasing seafood consumption.

Europêche also calls on Commissioner Hansen to include Europêche as a member of the ‘High-Level Group on Agriculture and Food’, noting that no fishing organization has been accepted to join this expert group. Mr Voces concluded: ‘The future of food in Europe depends on a holistic approach that integrates both land-based and marine food production. Fishers deserve the same recognition and support as farmers in shaping a sustainable and competitive food sector for future generations.’

Press Contact: 

Anne-France Mattlet, Deputy Director of Europêche | Email: anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org  | Phone: +33 678 11 63 01 

EP Press Release – Vision for Agriculture and Food

Europêche welcomed Commissioner Kadis’ commitment to a long-term vision for a resilient, competitive and sustainable EU fisheries sector. The association emphasized the urgency of immediate action to reverse the declining fleet size and job losses caused by imbalanced EU policies, costs pressures, increasing area closures, access restrictions and maritime spatial squeeze. Europêche called for fairer competition in the marketplace by aligning sustainability standards for imported seafood with those required of EU fishers, ensuring a level playing field.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, stated: “We are very pleased with the Commission’s active engagement today. Commissioner Kadis has shown a strong commitment to maintaining an open dialogue and developing practical policies and regulations for the sector.” He continued: “This is just the first of many meetings needed to tackle the significant challenges facing our industry. Our discussion with Commissioner Kadis represents an important step towards shaping a competitive and sustainable future for the EU fisheries sector. We look forward to a shift in policy direction and the CFP evaluation presents a crucial window of opportunity. Europêche remains fully committed to working closely with the Commissioner and his team.”

While the EU Common Fisheries Policy has driven significant environmental progress, Europêche underscored the need for a more balanced approach that equally prioritizes environmental, socio-economic and food security goals. The association proposed revising unworkable policies, such as the landing obligation and upgrade policies to address challenges like climate change, Brexit and the energy transition. Europêche strongly advocated for reducing the administrative burden and simplifying the thousands of rules fishers have to comply with on a daily basis.

Europêche highlighted the need for a science-driven approach to marine protection and maritime spatial planning, emphasizing the importance of respecting traditional fishing grounds. With increasing spatial constraints from marine protected areas and offshore renewable energy developments, Europêche urged the Commission to secure access to squeezing fishing grounds.

Europêche advocated for greater flexibility in multiannual management plans, with a particular focus on the Baltic and the Mediterranean. Europêche requested an urgent revision of the Western Mediterranean Regulation in line with the demands of Spain, France and Italy and the majority of political groups in the European Parliament. It also called for a revision of policies that have unfairly led to the closure of traditional fishing grounds to bottom fishing gears. Similarly, Europêche urged the implementation of fisheries control rules within a workable timeline, respecting the principles established in the main regulation and developed in close consultation with the sector.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to achieving full decarbonization of the sector but stressed the need for adequate EU funding, fleet modernization and innovation. Europêche called for more sectoral support for the next funding programme and the implementation of an EU fleet renewal plan to support the transition to zero-emission fisheries.

Europêche expressed concerns over the growing dependence on seafood imports, which account for over 70% of EU consumption. The association urged the EU to implement mirror clauses for imported seafood, requiring adherence to the same sustainability standards as EU products. This would promote fair competition and support domestic fishers.

With critical post-Brexit negotiations on the horizon, Europêche called for clear political directives and early agreements to ensure stability and legal certainty for the sector. Achieving a fisheries agreement before the end of 2025 is essential to maintain resource management and safeguard EU interests in shared waters. Additionally, Europêche emphasized the need to link market access to fisheries access and compliance, advocating to take tariff and trade measures to counter unsustainable practices by neighbouring countries like Norway.

Regarding the Oceans Pact, Europêche stressed the need to keep fisheries at the core of the EU’s vision for the oceans. It underscored the sector’s vital contributions to EU food sovereignty, healthy diets, coastal community livelihoods and marine ecosystem stewardship.

Press Contact: 

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

EP Press Release – Meeting Commissioner Kadis

Preserving marine ecosystems is essential for sustainable fisheries. However, the current grouping of environment, oceans and fisheries under one portfolio within the Commission has failed to adequately address the balance between the pillars of sustainable development.

In recent years, fishers have confronted successive crises stemming from Brexit, COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, with the rise in fuel prices and operating costs. Additionally, they faced significant challenges such as climate change, fleet decarbonization and the issue of generational renewal. On top of that, fishers had to put up with excessive EU regulations, unfair fishing area closures and unjustified fishing bans proposed by the Commission. As a result, the EU’s fleet size decreased by 28% over the past 20 years, and its seafood self-sufficiency has been declining since 2018. All while the EU continues to support seafood imports from third countries with increasing tax exemptions and many of these imports do not adhere to the same sustainability standards required of EU fishers.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, declared: ‘Fishers provide one of the healthiest animal proteins with one of the smallest carbon footprints. They contribute to meeting the growing world demand for food. Fisheries is therefore a strategic sector for our society and one of the few exclusive competences of the EU. The EU must therefore prioritize support for its fishing sector to encourage the younger generation to enter this profession and to sustain rural coastal community areas. In this context, we appreciate von der Leyen’s political commitment to creating a stand-alone portfolio on fisheries in the next European Commission.’

He continued ‘A Commissioner for Fisheries is fundamental, but it is equally important to place food production and food sovereignty high in the Commission’s structure at the Vice-Presidency level. In a political reality where the reduction of dependencies from third countries is very high on the agenda, this only makes sense’.

According to Europêche, the EU should focus on developing balanced legislation and financing instruments that strongly support the fisheries sector in its transition towards carbon neutrality. For that purpose, in light of the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy, the new Commission must conduct a comprehensive impact assessment of all fisheries policies stemming from the Green Deal at the start of the next mandate. Garat concluded: ‘While monitoring and reporting of fishing activities are necessary, the excessive administrative burden generated should be reduced and streamlined. Ambitious goals should be achieved through technological innovations, not bans.’

Press contact:

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

EP Press Release – Von der Leyen Fisheries Commissioner

As the EU navigates towards the final stages of this legislative period (2019-2024), Europêche addressed and exchanged views with Member States on the future structure of the European Commission and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The European fishing industry calls on EU capitals to rebalance the different objectives of the CFP by strengthening the socio-economic and food security dimensions and ensuring that European fishers remain internationally competitive. Moreover, the sector urged Member States to send a strong signal against the disloyal attitude of Norway towards EU fishing rights by rejecting the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028. Also, the industry stressed ongoing issues with nature protection rules and the upcoming implementation of fisheries control system. 

1. Future CFP and European Commission structure

Concerns were raised over the current imbalance between environmental and fisheries policies within the European Commission’s portfolio and policies. As a result, last year, fishers heavily protested across the EU against the increasing area closures and the Commission proposal to phase out bottom fishing. Now, Europe’s farmer protests are spreading. They are protesting against shared concerns regarding excessive EU regulations, pricing pressures, and the EU support to cheap imports with increasing tax derogations. Europêche called for an urgent surgical revision of failed EU policies such as the landing obligation. According to Europêche, the EU needs to return to a model where primary food production is placed high in the Commission’s agenda and structure, separate from environment, and that needs to happen in the next mandate of the European Commission (2024-2029).

2. Fish tax derogations granted to Norway under the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028:

The fishing industry expressed frustration and irritation with Norway’s aggressive stance against EU fishing interests, citing actions such as unlawful cod quota grabs, bans of traditional EU fishing methods (e.g., beam trawl) in Norway’s waters and setting excessive, unjustified unilaterally mackerel quotas, leading to overfishing. Europêche called on Member States to block the EEA agreement and stop the continuation of tax derogations to Norway’s fisheries products entering the EU market. In this sense, Europêche advocates for the EEA agreement to incorporate a direct link between trade access and fisheries management, similar to the arrangement in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with the UK. 

3. Action Plan to protect and restore marine ecosystems

Europêche and the Chair of EBFA, reiterated the strong criticism from the Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee towards the Commission’s Action Plan to protect marine ecosystems. In their respective positions, the plan was deemed overly simplistic, lacking a foundation in the best available science, neglecting focus on food security, and lacking an impact assessment. The Plan lacks a legally binding nature, and therefore, the Commission appears to be attempting to legislate through a “back door”. The sector called for a different approach for the next legislative term, on a case-by-case basis and in direct contact with the sector.

Although not specifically addressed during the meeting, Europêche is deeply concerned about the manner in which the UK is implementing Marine Protected Areas in its waters, exceeding the recommendations of scientists and mainly impeding the operations of EU fishing vessels. In this regard, the European Commission, as the guardian of the Treaties, must ensure that the designation of MPAs within the UK’s jurisdiction is non-discriminatory, science-based and proportionate. Europêche firmly believes that the Commission should take this issue seriously and utilize all measures provided within the TCA to rectify the situation. Conservation objectives should never be employed as a means to restrict EU access to UK waters, preventing EU vessels from catching their rightful fishing quotas.

4. Fisheries Control Regulation: Implementing rules

In January 2024 entered into force the new EU fisheries control system. The goal: modernising and simplifying control and enforcement measures adopted back in 2009. The Commission has initiated the implementation phase of the rules, which must be both workable and cost-effective while also ensuring effectiveness and fairness. However, the sector is already appalled by the first implementing act on the margin of tolerance. To implement the flexibilities granted by co-legislators, the Commission, in its implementing act, proposes to enforce stricter control measures in third countries than those applied in the EU, making it impossible to apply the flexibility in foreign ports, especially those located in developing countries. Europêche questions why the Commission is imposing such unattainable measures to EU vessels, while having no issue in accepting fishery products landed by Asian vessels in the same foreign ports not subject to any of the proposed EU control rules.

Likewise, Europêche asked Member States to push the Commission to propose as soon as possible exemptions for the separate stowage of certain demersal species subject to multiannual plans. This is an important flexibility provided by the new law due to reasons such as limited storage space on board, the high number of different stocks caught in certain fisheries, or out of concern for the safety of the crew.

Europêche recalled that the mandatory roll-out of CCTV in the EU will not suddenly make the landing obligation regime workable nor will it prevent unwanted catches from reaching the fishing nets. Same rationale applies to the mandatory introduction of engine power monitoring devices for certain vessels. Europêche regrets that new digital tools are implemented to monitor and survey failed policies. In this context, Europêche emphasized the need for collaborative and pragmatic approaches to address these issues and ensure the sector’s long-term viability.

Press contact:

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

EP Press Release – Meeting with Perm Reps

The lack of consensus was generated by countries like India, which already disrupted the WTO negotiations in 2017. Back then, India blocked everything, including a possible deal on eliminating subsidies that fuel illegal fishing. In 2022, it is worth noting that India rejected the WTO agreement aimed at addressing subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing, the primary focus of this year’s negotiations.

Currently, the same country was seeking the adoption of a 25-year moratorium on subsidies granted by fishing nations to their long-distance fleets. Some South Pacific countries and Brazil sought to capitalize on the situation by also attempting to scrutinize the European Union’s fishing agreements with third countries, even though these partnership agreements cannot be classified as subsidies. These countries have employed this strategic approach to apply maximum pressure on developed fishing nations, aiming to obtain additional exemptions and derogations for their fleets. However, thanks to the EU’s robust defense, backed by its Member States and allied countries, their efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Europêche recognizes the pivotal role played by both EU and national authorities in Abu Dhabi and actively promotes the pursuit of a deal as part of the EU fishing industry commitment to sustainably manage our oceans. However, the sector maintains that there is still room for improvement and advocates for greater clarity in the text to safeguard the interests of the European fishing sector. Our primary recommendations are as follows:

• Clarifying the text and explicitly exempt Sustainable Fisheries Agreements with Third Countries (SFPA) to prevent confusion and future issues.
• Introducing additional provisions, such as force majeure, to allow aid in cases of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances such as the Covid-19 pandemic or conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Without such provisions, the EU may encounter challenges in implementing temporary aid frameworks to support fisheries during crises.
• Explicitly excluding tax exemptions for fishing fuel from the text to avoid ambiguity.
• Setting a minimum common denominator of subsidy scrutiny applicable to all nations, with possible enhanced levels of scrutiny on major fishing nations. Massive derogations to developing countries would not only fail to benefit the oceans but also disrupt a global level playing field.
• Establishing a common definition of artisanal fishing to avoid deceptive practices. In the present text, the definition and thresholds are left to the discretion of individual governments, and some developing countries may try to deceptively exclude their industrialized fleets, classifying them as artisanal.

Press contact:

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

EP Press Release – Reaction WTO failure fish subsidies

During the meeting, the Commissioner reiterated his commitment to make fisheries sustainable in Europe, zero tolerance towards IUU fishing, tackle pollution, preserve the biodiversity and also the profitability of the fisheries sector. Social Partners welcomed Sinkevicius’ objective to decarbonize and modernize the sector without increasing capacity. He stressed that the intention of the Commission is not to revise the CFP but to implement policies better for the sake of stability and predictability for the sector.

“We sent a clear message to the Commissioner” said Juan Manuel Trujillo, ETF Fisheries Section President “we are 100% in favour of sustainable fisheries and we support the Commission in its zero tolerance against illegal fishing. However, the CFP must be based on three pillars – environmental, social and economic sustainability – that should be treated on an equal footing. That is why the Commission shall always do a thoughtful and proper socio-economic impact assessment before taking any preservation measure and, if necessary, shape the policies taking into account the outcome of such potential negative socio-economic consequences”.

“What we observe” he continued “is that the sector and the workers are dramatically impacted by the decisions taken by the Commission disproportionately closing areas to fishing, proposing to include perfectly regulated species in CITES and proposing fishing activity reductions in areas like the Mediterranean to the point that is sentencing the sector to disappear. The voice of fishermen is not sufficiently heard”, he concluded.

Ment van der Zwan, Europêche spokesperson for social affairs, declared: “The EU must clearly reduce its dependency on imported energy and food alike. For that reason, it should cherish its fishers and protect their lives and livelihood. There is a lot to gain in that respect. I hope the Commissioner listened and act upon, despite not recognising these issues afterwards on a message published on twitter”. He continued: “The Commission often talks about the protection of fish but little about the protection of fishers. In fact, the CFP is increasingly linked to environmental legislation[1] and poorly linked to social and safety objectives. To attract new generations to our sector we need the EU to adopt fisheries policies that provide legal security, stability and enhance the competitiveness of fisheries enterprises. Until we reach that point, we will be unable to make this job attractive”.

The Social Partners welcome the Commissioner’s open dialogue with the EU Social Dialogue Committee for Sea Fisheries and recognition of its unique role in addressing the social dimension of the CFP.

[1] E.g., Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Action plan to conserve fisheries resources and protect marine ecosystems, Biodiversity strategy and the Nature Restauration Law.

Press contacts:

Daniel Voces, Europêche Managing Director (+32.2.230.48.48 or daniel.voces@europeche.org)

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

SSDC Press Release – Commissioner Sinkevicius

The EU Taxonomy aims to become a tool for companies and investors to help identifying those projects and economic activities that have a substantial positive impact on the climate and the environment. In 2020, the European Commission set up expert groups to produce criteria to categorise environmentally sustainable economic activities for each sector. However, the expert group for fisheries did not include any fishing industry stakeholder, only NGO representatives. As a result, the group produced unrealistic recommendations to the European Commission who is now working on a new bill.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, declared: “This unbalanced situation has led to significant gaps in the platform’s knowledge and expertise about the fisheries realities. Likewise, this serious deficiency in the composition of the platform puts into question the legitimacy and validity of the work delivered by the expert group for fisheries”. Mr Garat continues: “We note with concern that the European Commission has ignored our call to re-open the expert group’ member list to industry representatives (i.e., fishing vessel owners, producer organisations, trade unions, specialised financial services, fish processing companies and retailers)[1]. Regrettably, the debates and discussions held within the Platform are not disclosed nor publicly available”.

The sector reiterates that the European Commission must consult relevant EU Advisory councils[2] specialised in fisheries, before submitting any “expert” outcome to the scrutiny of the public or as a recommendation to the European Commission.

Esben Sverdrup-Jensen, President of EAPO, commented: “European fishers are global leaders in sustainability, and we are more than interested in documenting and proving this fact. But the effect of this lack of expertise can be read throughout the sections in the report and annex concerning fishing with unworkable criteria and unachievable targets that go way beyond existing EU legislation, internationally agreed standards and the fishery reality. These include 100% observers on board, no-take zones, no discards and rejection by definition of bottom trawling as a sustainable activity. As a result, the vast majority of the EU fishing industry will not be able to reach alignment with the criteria, especially small-scale artisanal vessels”.

Europêche and EAPO unanimously concluded: “It is rather strange that the NGOs participating in the expert group (and the European Commission at this stage) are reluctant to reform the current CFP basic regulation[3] while, in the taxonomy, NGOs propose the introduction of completely new standards based on cherry-picking science. To the point that some of the studies referenced as scientific basis are, in reality, reports conducted by the very same NGOs participating in the expert group (e.g., Birdlife, Bycatch Mitigation FACT-SHEETS 2014). Isn’t it biased that a member of the platform is quoting its own study to underpin the recommended policy criteria? Isn’t this a conflict of interests? We can only conclude that the proposed criteria appear is a “wish list” of NGO claims that tried without success to insert them in other EU legislative acts (e.g., fisheries control regulation, multiannual management plans) and now, once again, within the framework of the taxonomy without any real debate”.

Lastly, Europêche and EAPO question the auditability of the proposed criteria. Particularly given the fact that the bodies providing scientific advice to the EU do not provide the level of detail for the information required under the screening criteria.

While appreciating the timely updates on the state of play of taxonomy by DG MARE, the industry fails to understand how and why the Directorate on financial affairs (DG FISMA) did not request any stakeholder representation from the fisheries value chain at any point.

[1] Europêche response to the European call for feedback by the Platform on Sustainable Finance on the draft report on preliminary recommendations for technical screening criteria for the EU taxonomy EP(21)33

[2] https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/fisheries/scientific-input/advisory-councils_en

[3] https://www.birdlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-02_CFP-joint-NGO-PR.pdf

Press contacts:

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: +32 2 230 48 48 daniel.voces@europeche.org

Paul Thomas, Policy Officer of EAPO: +32 470 41 78 38 paul.thomas@eapo.com 

EP and EAPO Press Release – EU taxonomy for fisheries

Today, the European Commission organized a stakeholder event to take stock of the current EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The President of Europêche, Javier Garat, analysed the progress made, challenges and way forward. In a nutshell, the sector believes that a reform is needed on some core elements such as the landing obligation or the definition of fishing capacity. The CFP must also adapt to new geopolitical and environmental challenges such as climate change but cannot be overridden by environmental legislation.

Adopted in 2013, the CFP amounted to a radical overhaul of the existing fisheries policies. All stakeholders in the event recognized that these resulted in a speedy recovery of fish stocks across Europe, particularly in the Northeast Atlantic. However, sector representatives voiced that this was achieved at the expense of the fleet, who had to face significant job losses, unworkable rules, a global pandemic and energy crisis, threatening fishers to become an “endangered species”.

Europêche regretted that many current and past fisheries policies have been based on emotions and not on science. Clear examples can be found for instance in the landing obligation which was proposed in reaction to a campaign launched by a famous chef in the UK or the current call to ban bottom trawling. He declared: “Our fishers need rational and understandable rules that allow them to remain competitive and innovative. Unapplicable legislation and new radical environmental policies generate mistrust and tension between the sector, public authorities and society. Besides, there are so many rules, that fishers need to be practically lawyers to go fishing. This needs to change now. We have a new window of opportunity to learn from past mistakes and to adapt to future needs and global demands.” In this direction, a scientific panelist recommended to rethink the landing obligation and to perhaps using a different approach to achieve the goal to avoid unwanted catches and eliminate discards.

Europêche reminded that a resilient marine environment is a must, but it is equally important to provide conditions for a thriving sector and food supply, in line with the Treaty of the EU. For all these reasons, Mr Garat stressed that fishers should be at the heart of the CFP. In this context, the sector stressed the need for more and better science, including socioeconomic impact studies on the impact of fisheries policies. Furthermore, fishers called for continued access to their traditional fishing grounds, which are rapidly being taken by new marine activities or intended for marine protection. Garat warned that this trend will put at risk EU food sovereignty.

Garat criticized that under the current CFP, the space on board destined to the kitchen, cabins, toilets or recreational areas are considered as part of the fishing capacity. He argued that this definition should be revised to allow the introduction of new technologies to decarbonize the sector and to improve safety and working conditions, which require more space on board. Thereby the need to find alternative formulas, such as net tonnage, that exclude these habitable spaces when measuring fishing capacity.

Europêche also believes in the need to strengthen the external dimension of the CFP and ocean governance, for which more financial and human resources are needed. In this vein, the sector recalls the importance of fisheries agreements signed with 3^rd countries for the EU fleet and stresses the need to apply the same rules to all vessels operating in international waters to guarantee a level playing field. Europêche equally appreciates the work of the Commission in the fight against illegal fishing globally. Finally, the sector reiterates its call for the recognition of the role of joint ventures in third countries.

Press contacts: 

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: +32 2 230 48 48 daniel.voces@europeche.org

EP Press Release – Future CFP