EU Budget 2028–2034: a non-starter without a reinforced specific fund for fisheries  

Europêche expressed deep disappointment at the European Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which foresees a 67% cut in ring-fenced funding for fisheries, reducing the allocation to just €2 billion.

‘This proposal is inconsistent with the EU’s stated priorities on competitiveness, resilience and food security,’ said Javier Garat, President of Europêche. ‘The Common Fisheries Policy is one of the few fully European policies. To strip it of a fully-fledge fund is not just inconsistent – it ultimately dismantles the very policy itself.”

The sector raised concerns about the merger of fisheries financing into wider macro-funds, exposing operators to competition with larger industries. Maximum aid intensity rates will also be completely left on the hands of Member States, which is bound to create distortions and unfair competition within the common market. Europêche appreciated the constructive talks held with the Commissioner and Member States aimed at finding ways to ensure that funding for fisheries is safeguarded at no less than the present level.

This support is vital for fishers to continue investing in new technologies, ensuring safer and better working conditions, attracting new talent to the profession, leading the transition to a low-carbon future and staying competitive in global markets.

Fishing opportunities for 2026: progress recognised, but zero-TAC advice threatens communities

While welcoming the Commission’s latest communication acknowledging the good management of EU stocks, Europêche voiced serious concerns over zero-catch proposals and poor data categories.

• Baltic Sea: Europêche recalled that the current regime shifts stems from environmental pressures (pollution, predation by seals and cormorants, oxygen depletion), not fishing. Therefore, further reductions in bycatch quotas appear to be more symbolic than effective and would force many fishing companies to shut down. Europêche thus urged to maintain bycatch quotas for cod and herring and to adopt effective management measures for seals and cormorants.
• Mediterranean: The sector highlighted the significant progress made through reduced fishing effort (>40%) and strict management measures. Europêche called on EU policy-makers to grant additional fishing days as a reward for these sacrifices and to remove Mediterranean red shrimp from the quota system.
• North-East Atlantic: Europêche, echoed EU Advisory Councils recommendations stressing that ICES advice continues to be overly precautionary, with many stock assessments still based on limited data and precautionary assumptions that unfairly penalise the sector. In addition, zero-TAC proposals for cod, haddock, and whiting would have devastating consequences for coastal communities. Europêche urged EU policy-makers to move away from zero-catch approaches, maintain bycatch quotas, and factor in socio-economic impacts when setting quotas for key species to soften the severity of proposed cuts. 

Europêche raises the alarm on EU–UK–Norway and international fisheries talks

Europêche reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with the UK and welcomed the 12-year extension of reciprocal fishing access until 2038. However, the organisation warned that new restrictions risk turning this agreement into empty words. In particular, recently adopted marine protected areas (MPAs) in Scottish waters and Stage 3 MPA proposals will force many vessels out of UK waters. Europêche considers many of these closures unjustified, disproportionate and discriminatory since European vessels will suffer nearly five times greater economic losses compared to UK vessels operating in the same areas. On top of this, the closure of the sandeel fishery—still in place despite a favourable arbitration ruling—is damaging the fleet. Europêche urged both sides to find political solutions and adopt mitigation measures to safeguard EU fishing communities.

On the wider stage, Europêche voiced strong concerns over the poor state of key pelagic stocks such as mackerel, herring, and blue whiting— following years of overfishing by other Coastal States, such as Norway, Russia and Faeroe Islands. The organisation called on the Commission to take a tougher line: secure fair and sustainable sharing arrangements through high-level diplomacy and by applying market pressure and targeted trade measures against unsustainable practices. In the meantime, Europêche insists that EU and national authorities must clearly explain that proposed catch limits (TACs) are based on scientific advice and therefore sustainable. Consumers, retailers, and the market at large must continue to trust, sell and eat EU-caught mackerel since it remains a sustainable choice. 

Fisheries Control Regulation: improvements welcome, but weighing rules unacceptable

The sector acknowledged progress on the implementation of the Control Regulation following Commission engagement and adjustments to address stakeholder concerns. However, Europêche warned that proposed weighing rules remains unacceptable and regrets that adopted derogations on margin of tolerance remain unapplicable in practice. Europêche appreciated constructive dialogue with Commissioner Kadis and his cabinet to develop workable solutions at technical level.

Competitiveness Compass: call for an omnibus proposal

Europêche welcomed the Commission’s push to simplify EU rules—but warned the big EU strategies and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) revision is moving far too slowly, with no real impact expected before 2030. The sector called for an urgent omnibus proposal to cut red tape and simplify fisheries rules, highlighting that the farming sector has already enjoyed fast-tracked reforms. All sides agreed to continue working on concrete proposals.

Free Trade Agreements: open markets cannot mean unfair competition

In her State of the Union address, President von der Leyen highlighted that fishers are facing ‘high input costs, red tape and unfair competition’. Inspiring words — yet, in practice, new FTAs with Indonesia and Thailand will allow low-standard duty-free tuna imports. Europêche called for its exclusion or impose strict origin rules.

Under the new EU-US deal, the EU faces a 15% tariff on its seafood exports to the USA, while thousands of tonnes of American seafood, enter the EU market tariff-free. This imbalance has hit European companies hard and created zero business opportunities for EU seafood exports. The sector urged to seek tariff derogations for EU seafood products in the next round of negotiations.

Press Contact:

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

EP Press Release – Meeting Kadis MS

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