EU AGRIFISH Council reviews sustainable fishing, sets 2026 priorities, addressing stock recovery, control, and international co-operation
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) met on 23-24 June 2025 to discuss numerous issues which included the current state of sustainable fishing in the EU and establish orientations for 2026.
Following a presentation by the European Commission on its recent communication, “Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2026,” ministers shared their general comments and highlighted priorities for setting fishing opportunities for the coming year.
The Commission’s communication detailed how European fisheries continue to improve their sustainability, with fewer stocks overfished now compared to two decades ago.
Ministers emphasised the critical importance of ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability for the sector, alongside stability and predictability. They stressed the necessity of maintaining a level playing field in annual consultations with third countries and securing adequate funding for fisheries and aquaculture.
Progress was noted in areas such as the Baltic Sea, Celtic Sea, and Greater North Sea, where average fishing pressure was below Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) in 2023. However, some widely distributed stocks saw a slight increase in average fishing pressure between 2022 and 2023. For the Mediterranean and Black Seas, while some stocks are approaching sustainable levels, many are still fished above sustainable levels, necessitating continued action, particularly through plans like the Western Mediterranean multiannual management plan and the 2030 strategy of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).
Addressing Challenges in European Fisheries
Several significant challenges impacting European fisheries were highlighted. These included the pervasive impact of climate change, difficulties in implementing multiannual plans and the landing obligation, and the financial impact of the energy transition. Some ministers reiterated calls for further limitations on imports of fisheries products from Russia and Belarus to prevent financial gains from the war against Ukraine.
Concerns were specifically raised regarding the Baltic Sea, where many fish stocks remain in poor condition despite over a decade of Total Allowable Catches (TACs) aligned with scientific advice. Sweden advocated for a cautious approach to 2026 fishing opportunities, pushing for restrictive TACs and complementary measures to ensure stock recovery and foster socio-economic stability for the struggling fishing industry.
The Commission noted that Baltic Sea stocks are under pressure from non-fisheries sources, including pollution from agriculture and the timber industry, contributing to ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. Shortcomings in implementing EU rules on catch reporting also play a role in the decline of these stocks.
Relations with third countries also formed a key discussion point. Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden highlighted unresolved issues with Norway concerning Atlanto-Scandian herring. They noted Norway’s lack of acceptance of the EU as a coastal state and disputes over the EU’s historic quota. It was pointed out that Norway has unilaterally increased its quota share for Atlanto-Scandian herring since the 2007 sharing agreement, and no access to Norwegian waters was agreed for 2025. This situation allows Norway to enjoy tariff-free exports to the EU, directly competing with the EU fleet which faces higher operating costs. Member States urged the Commission to press Norway to return to constructive co-operation and consider measures against non-cooperating third countries.
Strengthening Control and Future Initiatives
The Council discussed the implementation of the revised Fisheries Control Regulation, adopted in November 2023, which establishes a robust and modern EU fisheries control system. This regulation is crucial for achieving Common Fisheries Policy objectives, ensuring sustainability, and promoting modernisation through digitalisation. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) provides financial support for Member States to strengthen control systems, including investments in digitalisation and modern control technologies.
A significant measure to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing was also emphasised: the mandatory use of the IT CATCH system from 10 January 2026. This Catch Certification Scheme ensures that IUU fishery products do not enter the EU market and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal “Life below water” (SDG 14.4). The Commission has actively promoted this digital system to non-EU countries since its establishment in 2019 to facilitate trade and streamline administrative procedures.
Looking ahead, ministers expressed their expectations for the comprehensive evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, which is expected to be completed in early 2026. This evaluation will inform a 2040 vision for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, considering initiatives such as the European Ocean Pact and the Energy Transition Roadmap for EU fisheries.
The European Ocean Pact, a broader communication, establishes a holistic approach to ocean policies, streamlining co-ordination and simplifying reporting. It supports six priorities, including protecting and restoring ocean health, boosting the sustainable competitiveness of the blue economy, and enhancing maritime security.
The Pact aims for an “Ocean Act” by 2027 to strengthen maritime spatial planning and emphasises an integrated approach to funding (via InvestEU and BlueInvest) to unlock investments in the blue economy, innovation, and coastal communities’ resilience. It also highlights the ocean’s role as a carbon sink and the need to restore degraded habitats to meet Nature Restoration Regulation targets, aiming for at least 20% of EU sea areas to be covered by necessary restoration measures by 2030, and increasing the Marine Protected Area network.
Source: Council of EU – Press Release