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

The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is the EU’s long-term budget, spanning a seven-year period. It is not just a financial tool but a political roadmap reflecting the EU’s strategic priorities and how it intends to address common challenges. The current MFF, covering 2021 to 2027, has already been revised twice—most recently resulting in a €105 million cut to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

While the Commission claims this new framework will enhance coherence, simplify procedures and increase flexibility, Europêche warns of a ‘double absorption’ of fisheries funding: first, through its merger with broader EU funds, and second, by aligning EMFAF resources with the objectives of the Ocean Pact—further diluting its capacity to address the specific needs of the fisheries sector. For example, the new fund could be used to subsidise a wide range of blue economy initiatives—such as offshore and ocean energy, biotechnology, and desalination—which may compete directly with core fisheries priorities for limited financial resources.

The sector underlines the contradiction between the Commission’s political priorities—such as competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy—and the treatment of the fisheries sector. Javier Garat, President of Europêche stated: ’We expected an ambitious financial envelope that recognises the vital role of the fishing fleet in delivering healthy diets, food security and climate protection. Instead, we are witnessing a weakening of support for a sector already under severe strain and in steady decline.’ These pressures include soaring operational costs, global market competition, labour shortages and mounting regulatory constraints.  

The sector is also alarmed by the low ring-fenced allocation of € 2 billion for fisheries, especially when compared to the total EMFAF budget of € 6.1 billion for 2021–2027 — all the more so given that the overall EU budget has increased from €1.2 trillion to €2 trillion. Moreover, the absence of defined co-financing rates for vessels over 12 metres, combined with a general lack of mandatory financial measures to address fisheries challenges, leaves Member States with full discretion over whether and how to allocate funding to the fishing fleet. This places the future of the sector at the mercy of national priorities, risking uneven support across the EU and creating an unlevel playing field that undermines fair competition and cohesion within the single market.

Europêche also emphasises the broader consequences of underfunding fisheries: reduced EU production, higher consumer prices and growing dependence on food imports. ‘Restrictive funding policies directly undermine the EU’s food sovereignty and the development of a modern, competitive fleet. Subsidies should be more effectively targeted at incentivising sustainable production volumes, not feeding bureaucracy or research disconnected from on-the-water realities.’

In conclusion, Europêche urges EU policymakers to correct course: ‘This is not what we were promised. We will continue to work with the Council and the European Parliament to ensure the unique needs of our industry are recognised, and to secure a reinforced, independent fund dedicated to fisheries.’

Press Contact:

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

EP Press Release – MFF Proposal

Fisheries and aquaculture cannot be measured only in economic terms. The fleet, aquaculture producers, processors and traders supply one of the healthiest animal foods with the lowest carbon footprint. This makes aquatic foods an optimal choice for balanced diets while delivering on food security and climate protection. However, they face unique challenges that cannot be addressed through a broad, single fund covering multiple industries. 

In a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, industry leaders expressed concerns about proposals to integrate the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) into a single, overarching funding structure. They argue that such an approach would undermine the sector’s ability to address its specific challenges. The industry representatives highlight the European Commission’s own findings that fishers, aquaculture producers and processors face rising costs, global competition, and difficulties in attracting younger generations. Small-scale coastal fisheries, in particular, struggle with wages significantly lower than other sectors. Furthermore, they face increasing environmental regulations and competition for maritime space.

“Fisheries and aquaculture and the processing thereof, are not just economic activities; they are deeply connected to Europe’s coastal and rural communities. The structural and natural differences across regions demand a targeted financial approach,” the letter states. “A single fund risks limiting flexibility and failing to recognize the sector’s specific needs.”

The fisheries and aquaculture organizations call for: 

• A reinforced and independent fund for fisheries and aquaculture with increased budgetary allocations.
• Stronger financial support to ensure sustainability, economic resilience and continue improving work and living conditions.
• Targeted investments to help the sector meet environmental and climate objectives, including decarbonisation goals.
• A commitment to food security and supply chain resilience, ensuring that EU fisheries and aquaculture remain a priority in the next MFF.

“The EU must recognize the unique conditions of our industry and maintain a dedicated fund to ensure its sustainable future,” the letter concludes. “A well-funded, independent fisheries and aquaculture policy is essential for Europe’s economy, environment, and food security.”

The signatories include representatives from AIPCE-CEP, Copa-Cogeca, EAPO, Europêche, ETF and FEAP, urging EU leaders to act decisively in support of the sector.

Press contact:

Contact AIPCE CEP: Katarina Sipic (Secretary General) – Email: katarinasipic@aipce-cep.eu | Mobile: +32 470 86 55 43

Contact Copa-Cogeca: Riccardo Pelani (Policy Advisor) – Email: Riccardo.Pelani@copa-cogeca.eu | Mobile: +32 478 18 99 15

Contact EAPO: Jules Danto (EAPO Policy Officer) – Email: jules.danto@eapo.com | Mobile: +32 470 41 78 38

Contact Europêche: Daniel Voces (Managing Director of Europêche) – Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org | Mobile: +32 489 26 81 07

Contact ETF: Andrea Albertazzi (Fisheries Policy Officer) – Email: a.albertazzi@etf-europe.org | Mobile: +32 470 93 05 89

Contact FEAP: Javier Ojeda (General Secretary) – Email: javier@feap.info | Mobile: +34 659 09 48 94 

AIPCE-CEP, Copa-Cogeca, EAPO, Europêche, ETF and FEAP Press Release – MFF

The European Commission recently published a legislative package for state aid measures and financial compensation under the new Fisheries Fund (EMFAF) to support the fishing sector following the aggression against Ukraine by Russia. The EU fishing industry has thanked Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, for the quick call for a second meeting to take stock on the measures adopted. At the meeting, the sector represented by Europêche and EAPO, agreed with the Commissioner on the need for speedy and flexible implementation of the provisions in the Member States as well as for the approval of some additional measures under the current Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

The EU fishing industry has appreciated the quick action from the Commission adopting emergency measures to try to mitigate the adverse effects of those who are being directly threatened by the energy crisis and to calm the tension in our fish markets.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, declared: “The sector certainly welcomes the European Commission’s rapid action to unlock funding so that Member States can provide as a matter of urgency financial aid to our fishermen. Given the fact that governments are reacting differently to the situation and adopting measures at a different pace and extent, it is now fundamental that the Commission pushes national authorities to quickly put in place these authorised measures and reduce red tape to guarantee a level playing field. Equally important is to produce as soon as possible a guidance document for Member States to better understand whether different aid schemes can be cumulated. Certainly our fishers need all the support they can get”.

The sector recalled that the priority for fishers is to continue fishing, supplying seafood and maintain the employment. However, under these exceptional circumstances, even with the financial aid, some companies will not be able to fish. It is therefore important to help fishers who have to temporarily cease their activities, given the fact that in many cases aid will only arrive months later. The industry argued that this also reinforces the point that the ceiling for state aid per fishing vessel under the temporary framework should be raised, since this type of support can reach companies in a matter of weeks.

Esben Sverdrup-Jensen, President of EAPO, concluded: “Fishing vessels have been in port for a long time and the fish seasons for certain species will be over soon, for instance blue whiting. To tackle the situation we need to provide fishers the option to carry over more than the existing 10% of their fishing quotas to next year. After all this is a key free-of-charge measure that was already put in place back in 2015 with the Russian invasion to Crimea. This will secure employment and income. We need to prepare for every future scenario”. He continued: “We welcome the Commission’s commitment to analyse the situation on a case-by-case basis based on quota consumption. We support the request of an ICES advice for the affected fish stocks to analyse the feasibility of quota banking. It is in everybody’s interest to secure the sustainability of the fish populations”.

The sector also appreciated Commissioner Sinkevicius’ announcement that his services are working on the amendment of the current EMFF (2014-2020) to fully utilize the fund and to unlock the remaining unused 1 billion Euros to help the sector.

Press contacts:

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

Emiel Brouckaert, Secretary General of EAPO: +32 59 43 20 05  info@eapo.com

EP and EAPO Press Release – State Aid

As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been given the mandate to regulate and discipline global fisheries subsidies. The main goal is to eliminate IUU subsidies and prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The EU has one of the most advanced, innovative and transparent funding systems that contribute to the sustainable exploitation and management of marine resources. Yet, EU fuel tax relief schemes are in the spotlight as certain WTO parties consider these as harmful subsidies.

According to Europêche, fuel supplied for the purpose of navigation, fishing and aviation have been historically exempted from taxation to ensure an international level playing field and cannot be considered as subsidies.

Furthermore, in an attempt to justify the elimination of fuel tax breaks, certain countries and civil society groups claim that these schemes have contributed to overcapacity and overfishing. However, the sector argues that this is far from the truth, particularly in the case of the EU. Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche declared: “Opposite to other countries in the world that have exponentially grown their fishing fleets, the EU fleet has been reduced by 22.000 fishing vessels over the last 20 years[1]. In addition, despite tax exemptions, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions from fishing are down by 18% in only 10 years. As for the overfishing claims, fish stocks have been increasing significantly reaching in the North East Atlantic levels 50% higher than in 2010. Besides, 99% of the landings from EU-regulated stocks come from sustainable fish populations”.

Europêche recalls that fuel costs may exceed 40% of the total operational costs for fishing companies and therefore its taxation would put the EU industry at a competitive disadvantage with other countries with lower fuel prices and taxes. It would also cause a huge increase in fish prices rendering seafood unaffordable to many final consumers. Furthermore, at this moment, it is almost impossible in WTO context to control or enforce unfair subsidies to foreign fishing companies given the lack of data and transparency in many countries. Besides, developing countries may be exempted from fuel taxation.

Daniel Voces, stated: “The taxation of fuel for fishing would bring about little ecological benefits while resulting in an unprecedented large-scale bankruptcy for many fishing companies condemned to disappear. Family businesses would not be able to meet the expenses caused by the increase in fuel costs which, in some cases, could double the current fuel price for fishing vessels”.

The fishing industry calls on the EU to defend fuel tax relief schemes for all European vessels, regardless of their size, flag or fishing area where they operate. “No one should be discriminated or left behind”, Mr Voces concluded.

[1] The number of EU vessels in 2019 was 81 253 compared to 103 834 in 1996.

Press contacts:

Rosalie Tukker, Policy Advisor of Europêche: +32 2 230 48 48  rosalie.tukker@europeche.org

EP Press Release – WTO Negotiations Fishery Subsidies

The Council has reached today a political agreement with the European Parliament on a new EMFAF regulation to provide a simplified fund for fishermen with the aim to modernise the fleet, support data collection and efficient control and strengthen international ocean governance. Despite the push from the European Parliament to top up the original budget proposal[1] by 614 million (10% increase), and the Commission’s additional funding proposal of €500 million to help the sector recover from the impact of Covid-19 (8% increase), EU governments decided already in July a cut of € 32 million, resulting in a financial envelop of € 6.108 billion.

Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared: “Now more than ever the support from the EU is fundamental not only to face external challenges such as the Covid-19 or Brexit but also to implement ambitious policies such as the EU Green Deal. With such a difficult scenario and ambitious policies on the horizon, the sector would have expected a higher budget. We regret that the Council has not followed the proposals from the Parliament nor the Commission to increase the financial envelop to meet the pressing challenges confronting us”.

On a positive note, the new fund moves away from rigid descriptions of financing possibilities and eligible measures, only prescribing conditions on certain fleet subsidies to ensure a level playing field and sustainable investments. Under the new philosophy, operations not explicitly forbidden will be permitted, granting greater legal security to Member States and fishermen.

The new EMFAF will continue financing operations to modernise and improve energy efficiency, health, safety and working conditions for all fleets regardless of the size of the vessel. Only three specific operations will be exclusively granted to vessels below 24 metres. These are: 1. the replacement of engines with the aim to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions; 2. incentivise access to the sector by supporting the first acquisition of vessels by young fishermen; 3. as a novelty, in line with the long-standing call of the sector, operations that require more space on board such as renovating accommodation for the well-being of the crews. Europêche regrets that the call from the Parliament to extend these measures to the whole fleet was finally not taken on board, especially since larger boats are actually subject to binding international legal obligations.  

Europêche welcomes that the new EMFAF may support the temporary cessation of fishing activities for up to 12 months per vessel or per fisherman during the programming period. However, from now on, no compensation will be granted for fishermen in case of non-renewal of a fisheries agreement with a third country. The sector also welcomes the reintroduction of permanent cessation or decommissioning schemes. Thanks to the Parliament, the new fund has included new measures to help fishermen respond to exceptional crises, such as Covid-19, that cause market disruptions such as storage aid and compensations to operators for their income foregone or additional costs.

The industry appreciates the Council’s request for the continuity of the financial support for key actions such as fisheries control and enforcement, including the purchase, installation and management of tracking and electronic systems for all vessels used for control purposes.

Given the Covid-19 situation and the disruption of the markets, Europêche calls on the Commission to facilitate the extension of the current EMFF funding, including the emergency measures adopted last year, allowing its full use until the national operational programmes specifying how governments intend to spend the money are in place.  

The sector appreciates the efforts made by the European Parliament rapporteur Gabriel Mato to fight for a fund that enables the EU fleet to fish better, not to fish more, fully in line with WTO’s mandate to end harmful subsidies.

[1] Commission proposal in 2018 (in current prices): € 6.14 billion. This represented a 5% drop compared with the current EMFF budget (2014-2020) mainly to compensate the upcoming Brexit gap in the EU Budget.

Press contacts:

Rosalie Tukker, Policy Advisor of Europêche: +32.2.230.48.48 rosalie.tukker@europeche.org

EP Press Release – EMFAF Agreement