ETF criticises fisheries policy imbalance

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The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has criticised the European Commission’s evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), arguing that the EU’s approach to fisheries management has prioritised environmental sustainability at the expense of workers, fleet conditions and the long-term economic viability of the sector.

In its response to the Commission’s evaluation published on 30 April 2026, the ETF said the report itself highlighted significant socio-economic failings despite years of restrictions and sacrifices imposed on fishers across Europe.

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ETF warns that the EU fisheries policy neglects workers, profitability and safety while prioritising environmental sustainability targets

According to the federation, employment in the EU fisheries sector fell from 141,064 workers in 2014 to 119,479 in 2023, while expected wage growth linked to CFP reforms failed to materialise. The organisation also pointed to worsening profitability, with average net profit margins declining from eight per cent to just one per cent over the same period.

The ETF further warned that ageing vessels are creating increasingly hazardous working conditions for crews. The average age of the active EU fishing fleet has now reached 33.5 years.

Juan Manuel Trujillo Castillo, chair of the ETF Fisheries Section, said: “It is not acceptable that the fisheries sector alone is forced to bear the consequences of the impact on fish stocks caused by other human activities.

“We call for a truly balanced approach that gives equal weight to the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic and environmental.”

The federation also criticised current EU fleet capacity rules, arguing that including crew accommodation areas in gross tonnage calculations discourages investment in better living conditions onboard vessels.

While acknowledging the importance of fish stock recovery efforts, the ETF argued that the CFP has failed to sufficiently assess the wider social consequences of its measures.

Looking ahead, the federation called on EU policymakers to support investment, innovation and improved working conditions, warning that further economic decline could undermine both food security and the future attractiveness of the fishing profession.