EU fishing industry body Europêche has welcomed the new agreement reached between the Union and the United Kingdom, which includes extension of fishing access to each other’s waters until 2038.
The deal, set to be formalised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, represents a constructive step toward stabilising post-Brexit fisheries relations and supporting long-term cooperation, it said, adding that while the final text and specific access conditions are still pending, the agreement signals a shared intent to promote predictability, mutual benefit and closer collaboration in the management of shared marine resources.
Europêche explained that 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.
According to the organisation, the 2020 Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), 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.
“This is a forward-looking agreement that ensures long-term sustainability and mutual benefit,” Europêche Managing Director Daniel Voces said. “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 also said it 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.
