EAPO urges European Commission to reform the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), citing Brexit, MSY limits, fleet modernisation and funding gaps
EAPO Highlights Failures and Fixes Needed in EU Fisheries Policy
The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) has issued a comprehensive critique of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), calling for urgent reform to align the EU’s fisheries management with environmental, economic and social realities. The position paper, published as part of the Commission’s ongoing evaluation of the CFP, warns that the current system risks undermining European seafood production and jeopardising the future of coastal communities.
EAPO represents 31 producers’ organisations from 12 EU member states and supports 4,000 vessels across the Union. In its submission, it points to a catalogue of structural, legal, and practical shortcomings in the CFP—many of which have been amplified by Brexit, rising costs, and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
Sustainability Gains Undermined by Policy Rigidity
While EAPO acknowledges improvements in stock management, particularly under the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) principle, it warns that rigid quota-setting has led to underutilisation of healthy fish stocks and economic inefficiencies. “The MSY framework is being applied too narrowly,” EAPO writes, “often reducing fishing opportunities to below sustainable levels and failing to account for natural stock fluctuations or the realities of mixed fisheries.”
It calls for greater flexibility in setting catch limits, broader use of FMSY ranges allowed under EU law, and recognition that MSY and the Landing Obligation are “fundamentally incompatible” in mixed fisheries. “Managing stocks at MSY level has improved stock status, but not delivered stability or adequate income,” the paper notes.
Fleet Modernisation and CO₂ Reduction Stalled by Capacity Ceilings
The association criticises current fleet capacity rules as outdated and environmentally counterproductive. Limits on engine power and gross tonnage, it argues, hinder investment in safer, more energy-efficient vessels and alternative fuels.
EAPO supports the Energy Transition Partnership and calls for regulatory reform to enable true decarbonisation, warning that “no green transition will happen without ambitious funding schemes and a fleet allowed to evolve.”
Common Market Organisation Undermined by Uneven Support
EAPO also points to disparities in the distribution of EU support funds under the Common Market Organisation (CMO). A recent internal survey showed wide funding gaps between member states, with some producer organisations receiving 20 times more financial support than others. EAPO urges the Commission to enforce a mandatory minimum allocation for Production and Marketing Plans (PMPs) across all states, and to formally recognise the expanding responsibilities of POs.
Advisory Councils Marginalised
While EAPO praises the quality of work delivered by Advisory Councils (ACs), it accuses the Commission of sidelining their input. “The existing CFP gives ACs a consulting role, but their advice can be and frequently is disregarded without any consequence or explanation,” it states. The group calls for increased transparency and influence for ACs in decision-making processes, particularly regarding emergency closures and access restrictions.
Brexit Fallout and Regionalisation Breakdown
Post-Brexit, the CFP’s regionalisation framework has been rendered unworkable, according to EAPO. “The EU now negotiates on behalf of Member States, but regional groups and ACs have no meaningful role,” it says, describing current arrangements as mere “rubber-stamping” of EU-UK deals with no real input from those affected.
The group calls for more participatory governance and formal consultation rights for stakeholders on both sides of the Channel.
Funding and Future Viability
EAPO urges the Commission to substantially increase funding under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, warning that ageing fleets, shrinking quotas, and burdensome red tape are making it harder to attract and retain workers. It warns of a looming labour crisis and demands targeted investment in vocational training, crew welfare, and recruitment.
“The CFP must not only focus on environmental targets but must also guarantee a fair standard of living for communities,” it writes. Without a more balanced approach, the association fears further contraction of the EU fleet and increased dependence on imports from non-EU sources.
Final Call: Time for Reform
EAPO concludes its position by backing a complete overhaul of the CFP. It calls for simplification, legal coherence, a more realistic approach to MSY and the Landing Obligation, and financial instruments that empower POs and national fleets to meet environmental and food security goals.
“The CFP must be reformed to reflect the realities at sea,” it states, “not just the priorities of political institutions on land.”