The agreement, which replaces the current arrangements due to expire in June 2026, will provide much-needed certainty for European fishing communities that depend on access to British waters. In exchange, the EU and UK have agreed on measures to ease trade frictions, including streamlined sanitary and phytosanitary rules and checks, benefiting both exporters and consumers.

The fisheries provisions are part of a broader EU–UK package to deepen cooperation in energy and defence, signalling a renewed long-term partnership. Europeche recalls that the 2020 Trade and Cooperation Agreement, though politically necessary, placed a heavy burden on the EU fishing sector—cutting 25% of the value of landings from UK waters and leading to EU fleet decommissioning and lost livelihoods in several Member States.

Europêche commends the European Commission, Member States and the European Parliament for their leadership and commitment in ensuring that this agreement was reached well in advance of the 2026 deadline. Their coordinated efforts have sent a strong signal of unity and dedication to the long-term viability of the European fishing sector.

“This is a forward-looking agreement that ensures long-term sustainability and mutual benefit,” said Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche. “The extension of fishing access until 2038 provides vital stability for our fleet and coastal communities, while the reduction in trade barriers supports both EU market access and food affordability in the UK. This is a clear example of what pragmatic and constructive cooperation can achieve.”

Europêche emphasises that continued collaboration and predictability are essential for sustainable fisheries management and for ensuring that seafood remains a competitive, safe and accessible food source for both European and British consumers. Europêche hopes the new agreement leading to full reciprocal access will open a new chapter in EU–UK fisheries relations, enabling both parties to work towards renewed access to sandeel fisheries and fostering a constructive management of our mutual access to territorial waters. As the President of the European Council, Mr António Costa, rightly said: “We are looking forward, not looking back.”

Press Contact: 

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

EP Press Release – UK Agreement

The Tribunal concluded that the approach taken by the UK with regard to sandeel fishing in English waters of the North Sea did not align with the principle of proportionality embedded in the TCA. This interpretation reinforces the importance of balanced and evidence-based conservation measures, as well as the need for consistent access arrangements for both parties under the agreement.

According to Kenn Skau, board member of Europêche: ‘This ruling highlights the value of proportionate, science-led fisheries management, and underscores the importance of upholding international commitments. We now hope this will pave the way for EU fishers to regain access to UK waters and to continue sustainably harvesting the vital sandeel quota.’ He continued: ‘The fishery is strictly managed in accordance with scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which is globally recognised for its robust and evidence-based stock assessments.’

Europêche extend its sincere appreciation to the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament for its dedication and hard work in defending EU interests in this case.

Mr Skau concluded: ‘This outcome underscores the value of international dispute resolution and cooperation. We now look forward to engaging constructively with the UK to restore access and ensure the effective, sustainable management of our shared marine resources.’

Press Contact: 

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

EP Press Release – Sandeel EU UK