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

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During the meeting, scientists also explained the process that led to two major evolutions in tuna RFMOs.

In September 2024, the Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) informed that the TAC and catch limits adopted in 2019 for the bigeye tuna had achieved the recommended catch reductions z, noting that the 72-days FAD closure in the Atlantic was not efficient for bigeye tuna. The SCRS also noted that the yellowfin tuna stock, evaluated in 2014, was healthy, and recommended to maintain catches at around 125 000 metric tons. In the absence of a due allocation to ensure this catch level, the SCRS recommended a one-month full fishery (not only FAD) closure. Many countries, whose fleets operating under other gears than purse seine andwould have been affected by such a closure, opposed to follow this recommendation. Instead, the Commission adopted a 45-day closure on FADs for purse seiners only at its annual meeting in Cyprus (November 2024).[1]

In December 2024, the Scientific Committee of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) indicated that Indian Ocean Yellowfin tuna was no longer in the red, its status being changed to green with 88% probability. Indian Ocean Yellowfin Tuna is now evaluated not to be overfished, or subject to overfishing.

Anne-France Mattlet, director of Europêche Tuna Group Director, indicates: “The Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna stock’s healthy status is a very good news for the European tropical tuna fleet. The vessels have implemented hard catch reductions since 2016, without any compromise on their commitment to contribute to the IOTC science processes through the reporting of good quality data, including FAD echosounder buoys data which are key to better understand tuna stocks.” She adds that the whole Europêche Tuna Group “hopes that the IOTC will endorse the new results, adopting for this stock a management plan, rather than a recovery plan, at its 2025 Session”.

 Xavier Leduc, President of Europêche Tuna Group, underscores the value of such gatherings: “Through constructive dialogue and the transparent exchange of perspectives, scientists and representatives of the purse-seine industry have established a strong foundation of mutual understanding. These sector-science exchanges are a key step toward promoting the European responsible fishing model while, at the same time, calling for an equal regulatory treatment of all fleets.”

[1] See Europêche press release : ICCAT FAD Moratorium reduced in the Atlantic, tuna industry will now try to recover from economic impact

Press contacts:

Anne-France Mattlet, Europêche Tuna Group Director: +33 678116301 anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: 32 489268107 daniel.voces@europeche.org

EP Press Release – Industry-science meeting

Strengthening fisheries within the Trade portfolio

The President of Europêche opened the meeting by congratulating Vice President Šefčovič on his nomination as Commissioner-Designate for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency and expressed eagerness for close collaboration under his new portfolio. Europêche emphasized the need to elevate fisheries and food production on the Commission’s agenda, including trade. This holistic approach is crucial to enhance a resilient, sustainable and competitive sector in the global market. Europêche also called for trade reciprocity, mirror clauses and aligned standards in global markets, underscoring the importance of fair competition and a level playing field. 

EU-Norway fisheries high-level dialogue

The discussion also touched on the EU’s newly created high-level dialogue with Norway, with Europêche expressing appreciation for the Commission’s inclusion of fisheries in broader diplomatic talks. Both sides took stock of the situation and will closely monitor Norway’s actions in the coming months. Yet, Europêche encouraged the Commission to take a firm stance against the uncooperative and irresponsible practices from Norway, including the unilateral setting of excessive mackerel quotas and cod quota grabs. The sector therefore welcomed the Commission’s legislative proposal that will better enable the EU to take more concrete measures against unsustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries and reinforce the process of cooperation.

EU position for the ICCAT annual meeting 2024

Europêche appreciated the Commission’s efforts in defending European quotas for tropical tunas but raised concerns over the growing gap in the level playing field between European and the others, deeply affecting their competitiveness in the Atlantic Ocean. Vessels under non-EU ownership are either not required to abide by, either fail to respect the temporary closure (FAD moratorium), exacerbating the challenges faced by European purse seiners. In this context, and given the fact that tuna stocks are in good health, Europêche called for the deletion or reduction of the FAD moratorium to one month to prevent the collapse of the EU purse seine fleet, which vessels and catches have already plunged by 40% since 2016.  

Balanced fishing opportunities for 2025

Europêche acknowledged the significant progress toward more sustainable fisheries in the EU, particularly in the Northeast Atlantic, reported by the European Commission (Communication COM (2024) 235). However, the Commission’s positive outlook is not translating into higher quotas. In the sector’s view, the Commission’s interpretation of scientific advice remains overly precautionary, cutting quotas in excess, and does not align with fishers’ observations at sea. Europêche called for improved scientific quality assurance and a balanced approach considering socio-economic factors and food security. 

Concerns over drastic quota cuts

Under the new Commission’s political programme, putting the emphasis on food sovereignty, resilience and competitiveness, Europêche expected more balanced proposals for fishing opportunities. However, the sector is expressing great concern and disappointment over the heavy cuts proposed for many species, including anchovies in Iberian waters. The sector called on the Commission for more flexibility and a 10% increase for cod stocks in the North Sea. 

The meeting also addressed ongoing challenges in the Mediterranean. Europêche highlighted the negative socio-economic impact of the dedicated multiannual plan, namely a whopping 40% reduction in fishing days, area closures and gear restrictions in the last four years. Europêche requested a full evaluation of the measures before taking further drastic reductions.

As regards the Baltic, Europêche representatives stressed that further reductions in bycatch quotas appear to be more symbolic than effective, as current quotas are already minimal. Instead, the focus must be on improving scientific data and addressing the environmental issues affecting these ecosystems.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, concluded: ‘We see this new legislative term as a window of opportunity or an ‘era of hope,’ given that both the Commission’s structure and mandate prioritize food production and sovereignty. That said, we are disappointed by recent decisions regarding anchovy quotas and the Parliament’s refusal to revise and introduce greater flexibility into fisheries multiannual plans. We expect words to be swiftly followed by action, ensuring a viable future for our fishers. Europêche remains committed to working closely with all European institutions to enhance the sustainability of our fisheries, including the socio and economic dimensions.’

Press contacts:

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

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

EP Press Release – Europêche meets EVP Sefcovic and Member States

Fishing is a traditional occupation embedded in the DNA, culture and identity of many EU coastal communities. DFPO, known for its dedication to fishing practices, innovation and the welfare of fishers, represents a significant portion of the Danish fishing industry. DFPO advocates for a diverse range of fishers, including inshore, industrial, bottom net, Norway lobster and mussel fishers, encompassing both small and large vessels. 

Kenn Skau Fischer, Managing Director of DFPO, stated: ‘We are excited to become a member of Europêche. These are difficult times for our fishers and this membership will provide us with a stronger platform to voice the concerns and aspirations of Danish fishers at the European level. Our expertise and experience will be invaluable in Europêche’s ongoing initiatives to advocate for policies that support the fishing sector while ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems. We look forward to contributing to and benefiting from the collective knowledge and experience of Europêche’s members.’

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche, declared: ‘We are thrilled to welcome DFPO into the Europêche family. DFPO’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and its proactive approach in representing Danish fishers worldwide align perfectly with our mission. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance our collective efforts in promoting a balanced and sustainable approach to fisheries management in Europe.’

Press contact:      

Rosalie Tukker, senior policy advisor rosalie.tukker@europeche.org | +32 497 67 03 92

DFPO Communications Office email: info@dfpo.dk | Phone: +45 33 93 15 15 | https://fiskeriforening.dk/

EP Press Release – DFPO joins Europêche

Photo Copyright: © Chris Gomersall 

This spring, the Northeast Atlantic Coastal States again failed to agree on a sharing agreement for the mackerel fishery. Further talks will in any case not be resumed before September. Meanwhile, on 17 June, the UK, Norway and the Faroe Islands signed a trilateral agreement on their quotas and shares in the Total Allowable Catch for 2024, 2025 and 2026. The three have awarded themselves 27.48% (UK for 2024), 27.83% (UK for 2025 and 2026), 31% (Norway) and 13.35% (Faroe Islands). The trilateral agreement is supported by bilateral agreements which result in the UK receiving a total of 33,462 tonnes of quota from Norway and Faroes in exchange for access to UK waters for those countries to fish up to 154,384 tonnes of mackerel. 

The three parties invite the other Coastal States to join the agreement, but the remaining portion is utterly incompatible with historic shares, recent track records and genuine economic interest. Furthermore, it legitimises continuous overfishing by some on the basis of excessive, inflated unilateral quotas that stray far from the shares applicable under the last sharing arrangement. For example, the Norwegian share is almost 38% higher than in 2014-2018. The EU industry therefore dismisses the partial agreement and does not see it as a potential cornerstone for a comprehensive agreement. It also decries the UK’s decision to swap in stolen goods, namely part of the artificially increased Norwegian mackerel quota, for the second year in a row. 

It is now clear that In the absence of an agreement between all Coastal States, the trend of setting excessive, inflated quotas will persist, adversely impacting the fishing opportunities and market position of EU fishers for years to come. The EU industry continues to urge the Commission and the Council to act decisively against this irresponsible behaviour, for example by using its power as the main market for the other Coastal States’ seafood exports. 

Tim Heddema, spokesperson for the EU pelagic fishing industry, comments: “Clearly, this partial agreement will not stop overfishing and will not bring back MSC certification. The parties involved are legitimising unsustainable practices by fixing these shares and transferring quotas from one to the other, quotas that in fact constitute Monopoly money as they should never have been set at such an inflated level. One would hope that the UK teams up with their sustainability-oriented partners in the EU rather than with those who are responsible for recent overfishing and, in light of current world affairs, have a questionable choice of allegiances. The only solution is a comprehensive agreement that is not based on distorted track records. The EU industry strongly urges all parties to continue negotiations and to do so in good faith and with the same focused commitment that was shown towards the recently agreed trilateral and bilateral deals.”  

Press contact:

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

EP and EAPO Press Release – NEA Mackerel Partial Agreements UK-NO-FO

Photo credits: European Union 2022

In a letter addressed to President von der Leyen, Europêche underscored two critical requests for the Commission President’s immediate attention. First, the sector appreciated her decision to appoint a dedicated Fisheries Commissioner for the upcoming term, emphasizing the need for a true balance between biodiversity conservation, a competitive fishing fleet, and food security. An equilibrium that was clearly lacking in the previous legislative term, according to Europêche.

Second, Europêche also called for enhanced focus on primary food production and food sovereignty, advocating for these issues to be elevated to the Vice-Presidency level within the Commission’s agenda and structure.

With Commissioner Sinkevičius set to assume a parliamentary seat following the recent European elections, Europêche highlighted the impending political gap in the Commission’s structure. The organization outlined two possible scenarios for addressing this vacancy: either leaving the position open until the new college of Commissioners takes office or appointing an interim Commissioner. In either case, Europêche urged that any interim leadership refrain from exercising provisional political mandates. Instead, the sector calls for institutional continuity and stability.

The letter to President von der Leyen voiced the fishing industry’s apprehensions regarding some of the decisions and actions taken by the outgoing Commissioner that may have been influenced by his candidacy for Parliament. For instance, in 2023, the Commissioner considered the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) fit for purpose. However, only a year later, during the election campaign, he called for a full evaluation with a view to revising the CFP. To prevent a recurrence of such issues, Europêche stresses that the EU should not grant political mandates during transitory regimes.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, emphasized the sensitivity of transitory political periods, stating, ‘During these interim times, it is crucial that decisions affecting our industry are made with institutional continuity and necessary democratic backing. We urge President von der Leyen to ensure that any interim arrangements prioritize stability over political interests.’

Europêche reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the European Commission, pledging to support ongoing dialogue and collaboration in the lead-up to the new legislative term. 

Press contact: 

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

EP Press Release – Replacement Commissioner Sinkevicius

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

Crucial decisions have been taken last night to make decisive progress towards a new EU control system. Policy makers overcame the remaining hurdles such as the installation of cameras on board or the permitted margin of error between the catch estimates made on board and the actual landings (margin of tolerance). Some of the main measures can be summarised as follows:

Mandatory installation of cameras on board for vessels of >18 metres which pose a high risk of non-compliance with the landing obligation. Member states may impose the use of CCTV systems for other purposes and to smaller vessels.

• Mandatory introduction of engine power monitoring devices for certain vessels using active gears.
• Margin of tolerance of 10% per species, with certain flexibilities for catches below 100kg and for the small-pelagic and tropical tuna fisheries due to their specificities.
• Geolocation systems and electronic logbooks will be made mandatory for small-scale fishing vessels gradually, after transitory periods. 
• Harmonisation of infringements and establishment of minimum sanctions, levelling the playing field in EU waters.
• Better import controls and increased consumer protection, via modern traceability tools such the EU-wide digital database of catch certificates (CATCH).
• Better monitoring of recreational fisheries through registration, licensing and data collection of their catches electronically.

Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared: “We appreciate the efforts made by the Parliament and the Council to reach compromises and introduce flexibilities for the implementation of the future control rules. However, the introduction of cameras and other control devices have been harshly criticised by the sector as being intrusive. A positive development was that live streaming was avoided. It is now time to check whether the political agreement sets the foundations for a clear and efficient system that guarantees a level playing field, workable rules, acceptable control devices and overall makes life easier for fishers”.

Anne-France Mattlet, Europêche Tuna Director, commented: “The control rule on margin of tolerance is currently incompatible with the conditions and specificities inherent to the fishing operations in the tropical tuna purse seine fishery. We hope that the new framework makes the margin of tolerance operational, stops unfairly penalising only EU operators and that the subsequent implementing legislation is quickly adopted and proportionate”.

As next steps, the resulting political agreement has to be officially endorsed by the Council and the Parliament in second reading in the next few months. As for the entry into force of the new rules, for some of them such as the CCTV or the engine power monitoring devices, they will become mandatory in 4 years’ time.

EP Press Release – Political Agreement Fisheries Control System

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