With the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture now included in the European Commission’s 2026 Work Programme, stakeholders are intensifying their call for an EU Blue Foods Action Plan fully integrated into the Vision (stakeholders proposal). The proposal has already received strong backing from several institutions and organisations, including the European Economic and Social Committee, Members of the European Parliament, and multiple Advisory Councils.

Stakeholders stressed that fisheries and aquaculture must be treated as agriculture is – as strategic providers of food, directly linked to food systems, food security and food sovereignty. This is the expectation for the upcoming 2040 Vision.

To support this, the group proposed working closely together with Commissioner Kadis’ services to co-develop the Blue Foods Action Plan through a genuinely bottom-up approach. As a first step, the group highlights the need to establish an EU Blue Foods Platform, backed by institutional and financial support to advance sustainability initiatives and foster research, innovation, and sustainable investments.

Participants stressed the importance of better coordination across the Commission, noting that Blue Foods intersects with multiple policy areas: the sustainable use of fisheries and aquaculture resources, maritime affairs, health, trade and environment. Avoiding past fragmentation will be essential to delivering a coherent and future-proof Vision.

The foundational and widely recognised unique value of aquatic foods as “nature’s superfood”- a reality that must be actively championed and integrated across all relevant policy domains – was reiterated. The exceptional nutrient density, low carbon footprint, and production in close connection with healthy aquatic ecosystem, underscores why Blue Foods are both a public health asset and a climate solution, while also sustaining jobs, economic activity and resilience for coastal and rural communities across Europe. They warned that fisheries and aquaculture must not be left behind in the simplification and competitiveness revolution the Commission is promoting.

The stakeholder group will continue its outreach, meeting with Commissioners, EU institutions and additional partners to ensure the message is clearly heard: Europe needs an ambitious Blue Foods Action Plan embedded in the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Organisations

EBCD: The European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) founded in 1989 and based in Brussels (Belgium). EBCD supports science-based solutions, full stakeholder participation, due consideration for the socio-economic aspects and respect for cultural diversity, while specializing in maritime affairs, fisheries, aquaculture and oceans governance. EBCD promotes the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources both in Europe and worldwide.

Europêche: Europêche is the representative body for fishermen in the European Union.

EAPO: The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) was founded in 1980 and is unifying 31 Producers Organisations among 12 EU Member States. As an association of European recognised Producers Organisations, our key role is to assist our members, and the people onboard the 4.000 fishing vessels they represent in achieving the objectives of the Common Fishery Policy (CFP) and the Common Market Organisation (CMO) for fishery and aquaculture products. EAPO aims to strengthen the cooperation between European POs by looking for common grounds in addressing the challenges for European fisheries, such as securing sustainable food production through socio-economic viability, with respect for the environment, cultural heritage and livelihoods.

FEAP: The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) is the united voice of professional fish farmers in Europe. Representing 25 national associations and around 14,000 enterprises, FEAP promotes sustainable aquaculture by engaging with EU institutions, international organisations, and stakeholders to secure a competitive and responsible future for Europe’s fish farming sector.

Seafood Europe (former AIPCE.CEP): Seafood Europe, established in 1959 as AIPCE and CEP, rebrands as Seafood Europe in 2025, building on the legacy of 66 years of collaboration between EU Fish Processors and Traders Associations. It represents 16 National Associations from 10 Member States and 2 Third countries (UK, Norway). It accounts for more than 3,900 enterprises and 128,000 persons (more than 80% representativeness at EU level). The value of the output of the industry represented by AIPCE.CEP amounts to around EUR 34 billion.

EBCD and the EU Seafood Alliance Press Release – Call Blue Action Plan

The new Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Kostas Kadis, opened the event reminding that fisheries are integral to the socio-economic fabric of coastal communities, providing healthy food to European citizens. Despite their significance, fishers face numerous challenges, including labour shortages, an ageing workforce and a gender gap. These issues demand open communication between policy-makers and fishers, alongside policies that ensure competitiveness, resilience and sustainability. To address these concerns, the Commissioner emphasized the need to focus on building a resilient, adaptable future for the fishing sector, grounded in a clear understanding of its past, present and future trends.

Mr. Blonk, voicing the joint concerns of social partners, highlighted the fishing industry’s vulnerable position, facing a combination of economic, environmental and regulatory challenges. Rising operational costs and the influx of cheap imports from non-sustainable sources are undermining the market, while overregulation and excessive bureaucracy are problems to be addressed if we want to increase attractiveness of the sector for younger generations. Additionally, safety remains a critical issue, exacerbated by inconsistent training standards across Member States, further jeopardizing the well-being of fishers.

“The future of fishers starts today,” remarked Mr Blonk. “While the industry has made strides in environmental sustainability, such as reducing by 52% its GHG emissions, the focus must expand to include profitability and the welfare of fishers themselves. Sustainability is not only about the planet and profit but also about people.” He added, “Fishers should be recognized as key actors in securing healthy and nutritious food. They perform an essential role that benefits us all, and their work deserves to be appreciated and valued for the vital contribution they make to our society”.

Despite these challenges, modernization presents a path forward. Upgrading fleets with safer, more efficient and greener technologies can transform the industry. However, significant barriers persist such as restrictive EU regulations that hinder fleet renewal. For example, outdated capacity definitions prevent the utilization of additional space needed to install new technologies or expand accommodation and comfort for diverse crews, further slowing progress.

Mr Blonk commented: “We need to act at multiple levels. From fishing capacity to social conditions, everything must align to create equal opportunities for our fishers in a competitive global market.”

Optimism for the Future

Mr Blonk concluded: “Times are challenging, but we remain optimistic. What we need is a policy framework that facilitates fishers and fishing vessel owners to do what they do best: deliver healthy seafood to our tables. We cannot stop the future, but we can influence the future. Let’s do it together. In this regard, we welcome the new vision from the Commissioner and Commission officials on the social dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy, which offers hope for a more balanced and inclusive approach to fisheries policies.”

Press contact:

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

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

EP and ETF Press Release – Fishers of the Future

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, declared: ‘It is our hope that Mr. Kadis will restore the balance between biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of natural resources, and food security – an equilibrium that was regrettably lacking in the previous legislative term. With his extensive experience in nature, agriculture, and fisheries, we believe he is well-equipped to address the realities faced by our sector and coastal communities.’ 

Europêche also welcomes the mandate given to the Executive Vice-President-Designate for Cohesion and Reforms. He will be tasked with helping to ensure that fisheries becomes more resilient, sustainable and competitive in the global market. It represents a significant step toward elevating fisheries and food production on the Commission’s agenda, as advocated by the sector, with a dedicated focus at the Vice-Presidency level.

In this context, as outlined in the mandate for the Commissioner-Designate for Agriculture and Food, we need a Fisheries Commissioner who will work closely with fellow College Members to develop a cohesive ‘vision for food’, promote trade reciprocity and advance a strategy for generational renewal within the sector.

The sector looks forward to a fruitful and constructive partnership with the new European Commission that ensures both the sector competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

Europêche welcomes meeting with Executive Vice-President Šefčovič amid crucial political transition

Europêche is pleased to announce the confirmation of a meeting with Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič that will take place on 25 September. Both parties will address urgent fisheries matters during a crucial political transition period, as the EU prepares for the next European Commission.

Europêche welcomes Vice-President Šefčovič’s availability to meet during such busy and transitional political times, recognizing his continued leadership in the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s fisheries sector.

As the industry faces a variety of critical challenges, Europêche is eager to discuss the following high-priority issues: 

1. High-level dialogue on fisheries management and ocean-related cooperation with Norway: establishing a sustainable partnership and trade arrangements to protect shared resources and the interests of the EU fleet.
2. EU position for the ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) Annual Meeting 2024: creating a level playing field for the European fleet, fighting IUU fishing to protect EU consumers and ensuring decisions are based upon best available science. 
3. Fishing opportunities for 2025: securing sustainable and fair quota allocations in the Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean seas to safeguard both natural resources and the future of the European fishing sector.

Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared “While the new College of Commissioners is expected to take office by December 1, this meeting will ensure that pressing fisheries issues continue to receive the political attention they deserve. Europêche remains committed to fostering constructive dialogue and close collaboration with the EU executive to safeguard the future of the fishing sector.”

On the same day, Europêche will also meet Member States to address these pressing fisheries matters and to prepare for the next legislative term. 

Press contacts:

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

EP Press Release – Commission Designate Costas Kadis