Europêche slams EU fisheries cuts

At the centre of the controversy is the Commission’s plan to merge the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund with several other programmes into a broader instrument called the European Economic, Territorial, Social, Rural and Maritime Sustainable Prosperity and Security Fund.

Europêche warns that this move dilutes the strategic importance of fisheries – one of the EU’s few fully common policies – and sends a disheartening message to Europe’s fishing communities. The sector views the fund’s new structure, and the absence of the word ‘fisheries’ in its title, as symbolic of a deeper neglect.

“We expected an ambitious financial envelope that recognises the vital role of the fishing fleet in delivering healthy diets, food security and climate protection,” said Javier Garat, president of Europêche.

“Instead, we are witnessing a weakening of support for a sector already under severe strain and in steady decline.”

Concerns have intensified over the proposed ring-fenced allocation of just €2 billion for fisheries, down from €6.1 billion in the current 2021–2027 period, despite the overall EU budget nearly doubling to €2 trillion.

Europêche also highlights a lack of clear co-financing rates and mandatory support measures, which leaves funding decisions to the discretion of individual member states, risking unequal support across the EU.

The organisation warns that underfunding the fisheries sector could result in reduced EU seafood production, higher prices for consumers and increased dependence on imports.

Europêche is calling on the European Parliament and Council to establish a reinforced, standalone fund for fisheries, arguing that only a dedicated financial instrument can meet the sector’s unique needs and ensure fair competition across the single market.