EU fisheries vision divides sector over reform
The EU’s Fisheries Vision 2040 has won environmental support but faces industry criticism over its failure to commit to reform
The European Commission’s Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2040 has drawn a mixed response, with environmental organisations welcoming its focus on low-impact fishing while industry and worker representatives criticise its failure to commit to reforming the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Published on 20 October, the 15-year vision identifies priorities including sustainable production, improved fisheries management, attractive careers and greater resilience. Seas At Risk and Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) welcomed its recognition of small-scale fishers, coastal communities and an ecosystem-based approach, echoing proposals from the Rethink Fisheries coalition.
However, both organisations stressed that implementation and funding must follow. They warned that proposed EU budget priorities risk favouring industrial fishing over low-impact operators and the marine ecosystems on which communities depend.
“The CFP already provides the tools we need; what is missing is the political will to use them fully and the funding to make the transition possible,” said Dr Monica Verbeek, executive director of Seas At Risk. LIFE executive secretary Marta Cavallé called for ‘fair, low-carbon, low-impact fishing’ that balances social, environmental and economic priorities.
Industry organisations Europêche, the European Transport Workers’ Federation, EFFAT and Copa-Cogeca, however, expressed disappointment that the Commission had not proposed a targeted CFP revision. They argued that better implementation and secondary legislation cannot address structural weaknesses in a framework last comprehensively reformed in 2013.
The groups cited shrinking fleets, disappearing fishing jobs, stagnant aquaculture and pressures from climate change, energy costs and geopolitical instability as reasons for legislative change. They also called for simpler regulations, fleet renewal, improved working conditions and stronger support for European seafood production.
“A vision without CFP revision is a dead letter and, without concrete measures, an empty gesture,” said Javier Garat, president of Europêche.
The Commission’s commitment to propose measures by the end of 2027 addressing aquaculture licensing and permitting obstacles was welcomed, although industry representatives sought stronger action on consumer information and workers’ rights.
With agreement over the need for a sustainable and competitive sector but disagreement over the route forward, the industry groups urged the European Parliament and Council to press for reform. Parliament has indicated it could pursue a legislative own-initiative report if concrete proposals are not presented by the end of 2026.
