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

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

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

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

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 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

In this context, the European Social Partners have produced three different studies with the aim to contribute to ameliorate EU legislation regarding training, safety, accommodation, business efficiency and free movement of workers which will ultimately offer to our fishermen a healthier working environment, better skills and decent work.

Pillar 1: Constitutes the aim to implement the STCW-F Convention in the EU through a Social Partners’ Agreement, as the lack of a common standard for the training and certification of fishers in the EU is a safety risk.  

Pillar 2: Contains an analysis of the EU rule limiting increase in fishing capacity by imposing ceilings on gross tonnage and propulsion power. The outputs are a paper on the impact of the ceiling on working and living conditions and fishing vessel safety and productivity of the enterprises, as well as proposals and recommendations for possible solutions

Pillar 3: Consist of a survey on the legislation in force in the EU regarding deck machinery. The results are recommendations for possible standardization of the rules in terms of commercialization, installation and safe use on board of fishing vessels.

Final results of each study can be found attached to this post.

Attachments PDF: